TNew Delhi: Lieutenant governor TS Sandhu reviewed the progress of DDA’s Yamuna rejuvenation programme, 23% of which has been completed, according to official estimates.The LG asked officials to fast-track projects related to the floodplain after being told during a review last week that restoration and riverfront development was over on nearly 1,700 hectares of the floodplain, which spans 9,700 hectares. DDA’s current task is to restore and rejuvenate 7,362 of the 9,700 hectares. The latest official estimate of work completion shows that about 23% of the floodplain has been restored.Around 88,574 metric tonnes of construction and demolition waste and 4,998 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste have been removed to check flooding in the monsoon. Nearly 1,425 acres have been reclaimed, restored and secured from encroachment.Officials said 35 wetlands with a cumulative water holding capacity of nearly 1,420 million litres have been developed along the river corridor. “These wetlands are expected to strengthen groundwater recharge, enhance biodiversity and improve the floodplain’s natural capacity to absorb and moderate flood impacts,” an official said.The restoration included the planting of over 7 lakh native trees and more than 10 million riverine grasses and wetland species.The LG also reviewed progress at several ecological destinations developed along the river corridor, including Asita, Baansera, Amrut Biodiversity Park, Yamuna Vanasthali, Kalindi Aviral and Yamuna Vatika.In the meeting, the LG emphasised the revival of 32 historic ghats along the Yamuna Bazar stretch. Officials told the LG that the Yamuna Bazar revitalisation project is being taken forward in coordination with multiple agencies. He directed departments to expedite approvals and complete preparatory activities to enable phased commencement of restoration and redevelopment within the next six months.
