Around 85,000 cubic metres of construction material and debris has been dumped on the floodplains of the Yamuna, Union Minister of State for Urban Development Deepa Dasmunshi informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. She said efforts are now under way to remove the accumulated debris from the riverbed.
The Minister said the removal of the debris is expected to be completed by the end of the month and authorities have already been asked to ensure that there is no recurrence of dumping on the riverbed.
Security arrangements
Ms. Dasmunshi said as per High Court orders the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has put up display boards at the site warning against dumping of debris. She said security arrangements have been enhanced, entry to the riverbed has been barricaded to check vehicular movement and field staff has been directed to ensure that the debris is not dumped on the riverbed.
Ms. Dasmunshi said the DDA has conducted a study on development of the Yamuna riverbed as per recommendations of the Master Plan and Zonal Plan. The study of all natural features and site conditions has resulted in a conceptual plan and a structural plan for river front development, which provides integrated development along the riverbed for bio-diversity parks and recreational areas.
The DDA will now acquire land at village Burari in consultation with the Delhi Government to carry out the development work, which was initiated in a phased manner. Bio-diversity parks near Jharoda Majra and Golden Jubilee Park near Old Yamuna Bridge are being developed in a phased manner, the Minister said.
