Greenway, floodplain forest, solar-powered parking: Work to begin soon on largest Yamuna Park in New Delhi

Located on the eastern bank of the Yamuna, the park will be developed between Nizamuddin Bridge (NH-24) and the DND Flyway. (File photo)

The Delhi Development Authority's largest park along the banks of the Yamuna river, which will cover approximately 370 hectares, is set to take shape soon, The Indian Express reported. Named Mayur Nature Park, it is one of 10 projects either completed or planned by the authorities along the riverbanks as part of the Yamuna Floodplain Restoration initiative aimed at rejuvenating the river's floodplains.

Pollution in the Yamuna was among the top electoral issues in the recently concluded Assembly elections in the national capital. “The project has been approved by the Screening Committee. Work on it will be started soon,” said an official, adding that the estimated cost of the project is Rs 136 crore.

Located on the eastern bank of the Yamuna, the park will be developed between Nizamuddin Bridge (NH-24) and the DND Flyway. The ongoing Barapullah Phase 3 flyover and the Delhi Metro’s Pink Line will run directly through the park. The park stretches 3.81 km at its longest point and 2.18 km at its widest. On the eastern side, it is bordered by the Noida Link Road, while on the western side, it faces the Baansera and Kalindi Aviral projects.

Features of the park

The proposed features of the park include entry zones strategically located at the corners. Greenway zones, which will feature a children’s play area, multipurpose spaces, restored depressions, and depression wetlands, will line the edges of the park. The greenway is envisioned as a strip along the roads, facilitating a river-people connection.

A floodplain forest with prominent tree plantations and nature trails, along with a floodplain grassland featuring riverine grasses, are also a part of the plan.
These initiatives aim to promote interaction between the river and the public, support ecosystem restoration, and minimise the negative impacts of human activities.

Furthermore, parking spaces will be covered by solar panels, as per the official plan.
According to the DDA website, the second largest park along the river is Asita East, which covers an area of 197 hectares. The authority has been acting on directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which directed the Yamuna floodplains to be restored, preserved and beautified in its 2015 judgment ‘Maili se Nirmal Yamuna’.

On March 8, the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the Amrut Biodiversity Park, which covers approximately 115 hectares and is located next to the planned Mayur Nature Park. Just a week later, on March 12, the DDA, along with other Delhi government departments, signed an agreement with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to operate a ferry on the Yamuna.