Delhi Yamuna Floods Destroy Riverside Parks Ghats Months Needed Restoration
New Delhi: Severe flooding along the Yamuna river has left Delhi’s riverside parks and ghats extensively damaged, with restoration expected to take several months, officials said. Rising water levels inundated parklands and key public spaces, leaving behind nearly two feet of mud and silt, severely affecting lawns, newly planted vegetation, and park infrastructure.
Among the worst affected is Vasudev Ghat near Monastery Market, a landmark developed at a significant public expenditure. The ghat and its surrounding parklands have been smothered by sand and silt, prompting deployment of JCB machines and manual labour to remove debris and salvage the area. Officials estimate that full restoration of greenery and infrastructure could take four to six months. Daily public events, including the iconic Yamuna Aarti, have been suspended until rehabilitation is completed.
Asita East, another riverside park, has also suffered major losses. Lawns, saplings, and decorative plantings planted at considerable cost have withered under prolonged submersion. Floodwaters not only damaged recreational facilities such as walkways, cycle tracks, and parking areas but also raised concerns over long-term structural integrity. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has mobilised labour and machinery for immediate cleanup, though officials acknowledge that complete restoration will require time and substantial expenditure.
“The silt removal alone will take approximately 15 to 20 days. Complete park restoration, including replanting and landscaping, will take several months,” said a DDA official, highlighting the scale of damage and ongoing rehabilitation efforts.Authorities are also ensuring that flood debris is transported to other locations for potential soil-filling purposes, emphasising sustainable reuse wherever possible. The event underlines the vulnerability of urban green spaces to extreme weather events and the need for integrated flood management strategies along Delhi’s riverfronts.
The flooding of the Yamuna has temporarily deprived residents and tourists of Delhi’s riverside leisure and cultural spaces. DDA officials and urban ecologists stress the importance of planning resilient public spaces, advocating for flood-resistant landscaping and reinforced riverbank protection to mitigate future damage.While immediate cleanup is underway, the scale of restoration and replanting poses both logistical and financial challenges. Experts emphasise that careful planning will be essential to restore these parks to their pre-flood condition, ensuring safe and equitable access for all residents.
