Holiday by the Yamuna in 2015 (TOI, 4 Oct 2011)

YA M U N A R I V E R F R O N T D E V E LO P M E N T P L A N

Holiday by the Yamuna in 2015



With jungles,camping sites and playgrounds,riverfront will offer a perfect getaway without the carbon miles

Neha Pushkarna | TNN


Amid the hustle and bustle of Delhi,you can finally look at Yamuna for respite in a few years from now.Come 2015,the way we know and treat Yamuna is going to change.DDAs much-needed Yamuna Riverfront Development plan is finally off the ground with work already on at a couple of sites,and estimates,sketches and deadlines drawn up for the others.If administrative lethargy doesn't set in,the banks of Yamuna will be full of theme parks,promenades,amphitheatres,wellness centres and biodiversity zones for ecological study,camping and bird-watching,giving Delhiites a refreshing break without really having to go far and away.

The Yamuna Riverfront Development plan was conceived last year.In a meeting with lieutenant governor Tejendra Khanna in September,DDA officials made a presentation on the progress of the plan which looked both promising and challenging.The plan aims at refurbishing the land along the river from Palla in the northwest to Jaitpur in the south,a distance of 48km.But encroachments and existing land use pose a huge challenge.

DDA is starting with the development of banks on four sites Yamuna Biodiversity Park (YBP) near Wazirabad,Qudsia Ghat behind Kashmere Gate ISBT,Golden Jubilee Park (GJP) near Geeta Colony and the Delhi-Noida-Delhi Flyway.DDA says most parts of these locations are available for redevelopment and will be converted into three zones protective biodiversity,interactive biodiversity and recreational based on their natural condition,availability of flora and fauna and accessibility.The last two zones will be for public use.Work on YBP and GJP is under way.Redevelopment at Qudsia Ghat is likely to begin in April 2012,while it should start in late 2013 at DND flyway.

These zones have been identified on the basis of value analysis of the region done through urban exploration or riverine ecology study besides considering other data and site context, said a DDA official.Biodiversity experts from the Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems are working to provide details of the wildlife available in the region and find ways for revival of their habitat.Land along Yamuna falls under Zone O of the Master Plan 2021 Delhi has been divided into 15 zones from A to P with Zone O having special characteristics and ecological significance.

About 9,700 hectares will be redeveloped.The four sites identified total up to 1,600 hectares in which 142 hectares in the DND Flyway zone is under habitation.The plan may help curb pollution of Yamuna.About 22km of Yamuna lies in the urban area with thermal and gas power stations,bathing ghats,sewage treatment plants and fly ash brick plants located alongside.
The riverfront development plan will restore and conserve the biotic heritage of Yamuna, said Neemo Dhar,spokesperson,DDA.

BAMBOO FOUNDATION

With construction prohibited on Yamunas banks,DDA plans to set up structures like bridges,seating areas,shelters,machans,naturopathy huts,eating areas and tree house using bamboo Bamboo will be planted on the banks of the river because of its ability to grow up to four feet a day without any fertilizers Eco-skywalk will be created as part of interactive biodiversity zone on the southern side of DND Flyway amid natural wetlands and grassland.It will be an elevated bamboo structure with a walking area and pause points for bird watching Zen Garden will be a spiritual wellness area located north of DND.Herbal garden,aroma garden,meditation areas,naturopathy and yoga huts will come up here


RIVER SIDEWALK

SITTING AREA

BRIDGES

NATUROPATHY HUT

ROCK GARDEN

SCULPTURES

WORKSHOPS

PROTECTIVE BIODIVERSITY ZONE |

Areas with existing wetlands and rich flora and fauna of river basin will be developed into core biodiversity zone.It will have thick and diverse plantation and even wildlife to achieve effects of a natural ecosystem

INTERACTIVE BIODIVERSITY ZONE |

It will have a moderate biodiversity layer and act as a buffer to the core zone.People will be allowed to enter for camping,exploring nature & ecological study

PUBLIC RECREATION ZONE |

Areas close to habitation with easy access will be developed for recreation.DDA has proposed to build playgrounds,theme parks,riverside promenade,orchards,exhibition areas and an informal bazaar