Delhi: On Yamuna bank, a rich ensemble of wellness, tourism

NEW DELHI: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) plans to develop a green riverfront at Kalindi Kunj that can attract tourists. The mission hopes to implement the innovative concept of Ghat Mein Haat on that section of the Yamuna that is stigmatised by images of white froth caused by pollution.

“As the Yamuna is the tributary of the Ganga, we are taking several initiatives as part of an outreach programme to keep the river free from pollutants,” said G Asok Kumar, director general, NMCG. “Based on some of the projects executed by NMCG on the banks of Ganga in Badrinath and Patna, we are planning this green riverfront at Kalindi Kunj ghat. We have received the approval in principle for the project.”
Ghat Mein Haat idea involves combining cultural heritage, tourism and livelihood opportunities on a riverbank. The intervention will promote livelihood opportunities where local products, such as ayurveda items and medicinal plants, will be considered, to start with. The concept also envisages boat tourism, yoga and wellness and medical tourism opportunities available to the public on the riverbank.
Under the project, as a zero-budget measure, natural farming, orchards and parks with medicinal plants will be created along the length of the bank. This will also provide a source of livelihood for farmers while helping to keep the bank clean.
A green belt, with slopes and walkways for people, and seating areas will be created. A sculpture park with shaded spaces will be developed, keeping in mind the fauna in the river and the river ecology. The sculptures will be made from recycled materials. A selfie point for visitors is also planned.
Yoga classes on the riverbank is another concept that will be introduced at Kalindi Kunj. A start was made on Yoga Day this year when officials of NMCG did yoga routines near the Signature Bridge.
At the latest executive committee meeting, NMCG gave the green light to the proposal, but it has to be approved by two authorities. “This intervention may help prevent the froth that forms at Kalindi Kunj. We are in talks with Uttar Pradesh government’s irrigation department for this,” said Kumar.
He added, “Also, by December-end, the biggest wastewater treatment plant in the country at Okhla, with a capacity of 564 million litres per day, will be ready. This is an important project under the Yamuna Action Plan for which the entire funding has come from the central government. No permanent structure will be erected at Kalindi Kunj.”
NMCG has been holding public awareness programmes on the Yamuna’s health. Every month, for example, it gets students from colleges and schools, not only from Delhi but also neighbouring cities, to take part in the riverbank cleaning activities along the Yamuna.