New Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has begun taking over land currently used by the Public Works Department (PWD) as a casting yard next to Baansera and aims to have the entire site vacated within this year.The authority plans to revamp the area, opposite the Sarai Kale Khan ISBT, in line with the Yamuna floodplain norms, restore its ecological character, and develop it into a sustainable public space near the river. The process of levelling a portion of land next to the Ring Road is under way.“PWD is vacating the site in portions. As soon as the land next to Ring Road was cleared, we started levelling the area,” an official said. PWD did not comment on the matter.The initiative forms part of DDA’s action plan to restore and develop a 163-hectare stretch of the floodplain under the Kalindi Aviral Extension project. The stretch will cover the floodplains from NH-9 to the Sundial near Barapullah, officials said.“Spread along the western bank of the Yamuna, the project aims at ecological restoration, landscape enhancement and improved public access to the floodplain. The authority has earmarked Rs 28.3 crore for the project, which is scheduled to be executed over the next six months,” an official said.As part of the plan, the authority will clean and clear the site, followed by levelling and the laying of fresh soil to prepare the ground for further development. This will be followed by civil, electrical and horticulture work.“The integrated approach is intended not only to improve the visual appeal of the floodplain but also create a sustainable public space,” the authority said.
