New Delhi: Children took turns on swings, tried their hands at climbing a colourful tyre wall and bounced on a trampoline as several families Wednesday explored the cruise and recreational facilities launched by Delhi govt a day earlier.Near the musical fountain, groups gathered to watch the water jets while others headed towards the food court or waited to board the electric cruise. For many, the attraction was not just a ride on the Yamuna, but an opportunity to spend time outdoors with their families in a city with limited recreational options.The second day of the Namo Yamuna River Cruise Service saw 236 people take a ride and seven trying the jet ski facility. Families with children formed a significant part of the visitors. Gaurav and Shobha, who came with their family from Mukherjee Nagar, said, “We thought of coming because the river looks cleaner than before.”For Renu Gupta from Mandawali, the visit was an opportunity to give her three children an experience they had rarely had growing up in Delhi. She decided to bring them before schools reopened. “My children have lived in Delhi mostly and have hardly seen boats or cruises. They wanted to come here,” she said.Yogita, who had travelled from Ghaziabad, said the children’s play area was a major attraction. With swings and other activities keeping children occupied, parents could also spend time exploring the premises.Not everyone came only for the cruise. Kunwar Singh, who lives in Janakpuri, said he chose the venue to celebrate his mother’s birthday. “This is a good start, but they can add more adventure sports options. It would attract people from different age groups even after the initial enthusiasm wears off,” he said.Some visitors pointed to areas that need improvement. Devesh Kumar, who came from Rohini, said the air-conditioning was not functioning properly and the lower deck felt cramped. “The upper deck is better, but the lower deck needs better ventilation or fewer people should be accommodated at a time. Also, the cruise moves slower than I expected,” he said.Tarun Sharma, a resident of Laxmi Nagar, said visitors should keep their expectations realistic. “People should not come expecting a Goa-like experience. For a city like Delhi, which does not have many such facilities, this is good to start with. The play area and cafeteria make it a decent weekend outing with the family. At least, it is different from the usual movie or restaurant outing,” he said.Abhay, who lives in Sonia Vihar, said the Rs 50 entry charge should be waived for those taking the cruise as it added to the expense for families. “A group of four ends up paying an additional Rs 200 just to enter the premises,” he pointed out, adding that the cruise fare could also be slightly reduced.
