New Delhi: While MPD 2047 focuses on riverfront restoration, experts feel Delhiites are more concerned about the availability of clean water in Yamuna.The experts want to know the concrete measures the new master plan will offer to clean and rejuvenate the stretch of Yamuna flowing through Delhi, particularly when its health has shown limited improvement despite significant expenditure on various restoration projects over the years.“Plans for the restoration of its floodplain already appeared to be in place, and are being pushed through the master plan. Going a step ahead, efforts were made to develop a model on the lines of Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad. But the bigger question is: What about the availability of clean water in Yamuna?” an expert asked.He pointed out that while Sabarmati receives water from Narmada, Delhi remains dependent on Haryana for adequate riverine water. “After so much public money has been spent, people still cannot imagine sitting along the banks of Yamuna. We expect MPD 2047 to clearly specify the measures for cleaning and restoring the river so that we won’t have to complain about its deteriorating condition in 2047 as well,” he said.The expert also expected the master plan to provide ways to address the direct discharge of sewage from parts of Delhi into Yamuna.“Unless it is stopped and the existing sewerage infrastructure is strengthened, the riverfront development won’t solve Yamuna’s pollution problem,” said another expert.
