Gadkari proposes rejuvenation of Yamuna to make Delhi stretch navigable

Minister for road transport, highways and shipping Nitin Gadkari has called for concerted efforts to rejuvenate Yamuna River through treatment of sewage and industrial waste in Delhi before its discharge into the river, so as to make it navigable.

He also proposed development and beautification of the river banks in an ecologically sound and environment sensitive manner and emphasised the need for a systematic public awareness `Clean-Yamuna' campaign involving citizens and students.

Chairing a meeting for rejuvenation of Yamuna River and to make its stretch in Delhi navigable, the minister said that a sense of involvement and community participation for the development of river front should be inculcated.

Among other issues, the meeting discussed ways to ensure sufficient water flow / discharge available in the river throughout the year; treatment of sewage and industrial waste in Delhi before its discharge into the river for augmenting its water level; and undertaking development and beautification of the river banks in an ecologically sound and environment sensitive manner.

Gadkari asked representatives of the Delhi government, who attended the meeting, to explore the possibility of constructing navigational barrages in the Delhi stretch of the Yamuna to augment the flow of the river as suggested by Central Water Commission in an  earlier report. The project also entails augmenting the water capacity by recharging the 4 or 5 big lakes, which are close to the river and connecting / channelising their flow into the river.

The Delhi government also has a plan for taking up a pilot project around the ''Signature Bridge'' currently under construction in the city to improve the water flow in the stretch by dredging and installing an ''inflatable rubber weir'' to hold back enough water during the lean season to provide two - three metres depth for navigation purposes throughout the year.

It was also proposed that the project should be made self-sustaining through disposal / auction of dredged material for construction purposes. Similarly, it was suggested that the build, operate and transfer (BOT) model for sewage treatment plants (STPs) being constructed by Delhi administration may be implemented where ever feasible.

Another proposal put forward for consideration was to provide the treated water from the STPs to the users on chargeable basis thus generating some revenue for the river rejuvenation project.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of the ministry, Delhi government, and representatives/experts from IIT Delhi, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS), Rail India Techno-Economic Services (RITES) and some prominent international companies.