₹200-crore project to beautify Yamuna
NEWDELHI:The Delhi government launched the ₹200-crore Yamuna riverfront project at the second annual ‘Yamuna Aarti’ event aarti at the Dhai Pusta, in Sonia Vihar, on Tuesday.
Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal praised the efforts made by water and tourism minister Kapil Mishra for organising the event in their bid to clean the river Yamuna and promote tourism in Delhi.
“This Yamuna Aarti has been made possible by his (Mishra’s) efforts, his perseverance and his crazed enthusiasm. He has also devised a plan to ensure the cleaning of Yamuna,” he said.
The Yamuna Riverfront Development initiative aims to beautify the riverfront. A video release, which showcased the plans, stated that trees and other plants would be planted in the area which would help decontaminate the polluted waters. It also showed plans of separate ghats dedicated to idol immersions and aartis, so that these activities do not pollute the larger body of water.
The eco-friendly plans also feature dedicated cycling and pedestrian paths. The new riverfront will also have a new wrestling ground, for the wrestling events that usually take place at the floodplains near the river Yamuna.
The new plans not only aim to clean the river Yamuna, but also are a part of larger efforts to promote tourism in the region. As such, the government has declared that a rowing arena of international standard will also be a part of the new and improved riverfront. Bird watching and nature trails will also be facilitated.
The plans also stated that only environment friendly, bio-degradable materials would be used. It would feature no structure made of concrete.
Kejriwal also reminded voters of the efforts made by the government top help reduce electricity charges in Delhi. “Despite doubts, we reduced the rates of electricity in the city within a month of being elected,” he said.
He also said that despite interference from the Central government, his government was able to provide water to 260 unauthorised colonies in Delhi. He also referred to his troubled relations with lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung, when he said that he has to plead and sometimes even pick fights to get things done. NEWDELHI: As winter approaches, the Delhi government is gearing up to provide the homeless proper care in night shelters.
The government’s action plan for the homeless includes measures such as asking religious bodies to adopt night shelters and asking people to donate food and blankets to the needy.
Though the number of shelters across the city is likely to remain the same, the capacity of the Ghazipur home will be strengthened. Temporary shelters will be built if required, officials said.
“We will issue a public notice advising people what they need to do if they want to help the homeless. People living in shelters tend to stay on road to get food and other donations. But we will advise people to donate at our centres so that the homeless stay in the shelter,” said an official of Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB).
DUSIB has invited applications from religious institutions, requesting them to look after night shelters.
“There were set of agencies that used to run the shelters every year but no one checked whether they are performing their duties and utilising the government funds as desired. We have reviewed the entire process and have pruned the list. For the first time, religious institutions such as gurdwaras, churches and madarsas have been requested to adopt shelters,” said a DUSIB official. Read our series on the homeless: