Delhi Lieutenant Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday inspected ISBT, Vasudev Ghat located in front of Kashmiri Gate and Yamuna Bazaar Ghat located in front of Hanuman Temple. During this, a detailed review of the ongoing works related to the cleanliness system of the ghats, development of infrastructure and Yamuna revitalization was done and necessary instructions were given to the concerned officials. After inspecting both the sites, the LG and CM underlined the glaring difference between Vasudev Ghat, which has been developed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and Yamuna Bazaar Ghat.
He said that developed ghats like Vasudev Ghat, Asita, Bansera and Yamuna Biodiversity Park have now emerged as eco-friendly, sustainable and green public spaces. At the same time, many other ghats also need to be developed in a similar manner by DDA in collaboration with other departments/agencies. During the inspection, the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister observed the ghats, green areas, walking trails, bio-diversity areas and modern machinery engaged in cleaning works being developed on the banks of Yamuna.
He also reviewed the progress of works like greenway development on river banks, kutcha walking and cycling tracks, plantation on river banks, restoration of wetlands and conservation of natural water streams. On this occasion, a detailed presentation of Yamuna floodplain restoration projects was also given by the officials, in which information was shared about the development works being carried out in various phases in the area extending from Wazirabad to Okhla. Besides, information about works like ecologically reviving the banks of Yamuna river, promoting bio-diversity, reducing pollution was also shared.
Lieutenant Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu said that this inspection is the result of 'surprise communication' held with the citizens during the last one month. Delhiites had prominently raised issues like Yamuna pollution, air pollution, floods in monsoon and water crisis in summer. The Lieutenant Governor said that our governance is people-centric. Based on the feedback of the citizens, we are moving towards time bound revitalization of the entire flood area from Palla to Kalindi Kunj.
After the inspection, the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister directed all the concerned departments including Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Delhi Jal Board, DPCC and MCD to work in a coordinated manner. Also, all the departments have been asked to prepare a detailed presentation, in which clear targets and the time frame for their implementation will be fixed. Describing the solution of Yamuna and air pollution as an uncompromising priority, the Lieutenant Governor ordered to run it in mission mode.
LG mentioned that Yamuna revitalization is now among the top priorities of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. The government will now actively collaborate with national and international experts in these projects so that global level innovations and successful models can be implemented in Delhi.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Delhi Government is committed to the cleanliness and revitalization of Mother Yamuna from the very first day and continuous efforts are being made in this direction. He clarified that the government's resolve is to build a clean, beautiful and green Delhi, with restoration of Yamuna river being a major priority. Referring to the budget for the year 2026-27, the Chief Minister said that the Delhi government's green budget of Rs 22,236 crore is about 21.44% of the total budget, which is directly earmarked for environmental schemes, especially initiatives related to Yamuna cleaning.
He said that cleanliness of Mother Yamuna is not just a project but a determination of the government. For this purpose, the largest portion of the green budget has been allocated to Delhi Jal Board, so that there is no financial hindrance in the works related to sewage treatment and de-silting. The Chief Minister directed the officials of the concerned departments to immediately remove encroachment from the flood area to increase the water holding capacity of the river. Apart from this, special emphasis was also laid on developing Yamuna banks as permanent and grand public assets instead of spending on temporary ghats every year.
During the inspection, the LG and the Chief Minister observed the ongoing floodplain restoration works from Wazirabad to Okhla. Officials were directed to expedite greenway development, wetlands conservation and construction of bio-diversity parks on the banks of Yamuna. Raw walking and cycling tracks should be developed along the river banks in such a way that the natural form of the river is protected, and the ghats should be developed by connecting them as a 'continuous stretch' instead of separate pieces.
During the inspection, officials were instructed to adopt zero tolerance policy on solid waste management, sewage control and illegal garbage disposal.
The Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister jointly said that these areas being developed on the banks of Yamuna should be made eco-friendly and sustainable so that these places not only enrich nature but also become centers of attraction for the public.
