Delhi Launches Comprehensive Plan For Yamuna River Revival
Delhi, a significant collaborative effort has commenced to create a robust Urban River Management Plan (URMP) for the Yamuna River, aimed at its cleaning and rejuvenation. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), in partnership with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, organized a key inception workshop today. This marks a formal initiation of an integrated planning approach to re-establish the Yamuna as the capital’s lifeline, addressing its severe pollution and ecological degradation for a more sustainable urban future.
The workshop, held at Bharat Mandapam, was presided over by the Chief Secretary of Delhi, with the Secretary of the Department of Water Resources serving as the guest of honor. It marked the formal initiation of an integrated planning approach for the river’s revitalization. A multi-stakeholder group, constituted by the Department of Urban Development, comprising members from 14 important departments and agencies, was actively involved. The primary goal of the workshop was to foster a common understanding among various stakeholders regarding the Urban River Management Plan concept and the structured procedure to be adopted for its development specifically for the capital, ensuring a unified vision.
During the session, a thorough rundown of the URMP’s roadmap and structure was presented. It was revealed that the plan would be jointly prepared by NIUA and IIT Delhi, with additional support from a forthcoming Centre of Excellence established through Dutch cooperation. The URMP is designed to tackle pollution, improve wetland management, prevent encroachments, and promote water reuse through coordinated, multi-agency interventions. Notably, an innovative Urban River Management Index will be utilized to track progress across ten critical domains. The project anticipates yielding actionable initiatives and Detailed Project Reports, financed through a combination of government, viability gap, and Urban Local Body resources.
The interactive workshops emphasized the vital role of community involvement for river revitalization. Success hinges on widespread participation and sustained, cross-sectoral collaboration. Delhi is demonstrating a strong resolve to restore the Yamuna, not merely as a water body, but as the vibrant core of a thriving, resilient metropolis, signaling a new era for urban river management and ecological balance.
