On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Monday organised a plantation drive at Yamuna Vatiika, which is undergoing a makeover as part of the restoration and rejuvenation project of the Yamuna floodplains.
Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, who serves as the DDA chairman, and Minister of State for Culture & External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi participated in the drive, where 500 chinar and 500 cherry blossom saplings were planted.
Spread across 450 acres from the Old Railway Bridge to the ITO Barrage, Yamuna Vatiika is located on the western bank of the floodplains.
Mr. Saxena said the DDA is making efforts to restore the floodplains and mitigate direct pollution into the Yamuna. He added he hopes that the project will provide a recreational space for residents of areas such as the eastern banks of the river, Daryaganj, Kashmere Gate and the Walled City.
Under the Yamuna Vatiika makeover, a 10-acre garden with seasonal flowers, walkways, jogging/cycling tracks, eco-friendly temporary structures for eateries and cafeteria, public utilities, an event area, bio-retention zone, an adventure zone with a play area as well as a viewing deck will be developed.
