New Delhi: Restoring Delhi’s historic connection with the Yamuna, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has revitalised plans to rejuvenate 32 ghats along the Yamuna Bazar stretch and develop the area into a major cultural, heritage and public destination.Yamuna Bazar is not just a market, but also has a series of century-old ghats and temples, and functions a lot like Qudsia Ghat. DDA’s ambitious project, which could involve the removal of encroachments and relocation of residential dwellings to improve public access to the riverfront, is expected to witness on-ground progress within the next six months.The roadmap for the Yamuna Bazar revitalisation project was recently presented to lieutenant governor TS Sandhu by DDA officials, outlining the coordinated efforts being undertaken by various agencies.“Officials have been directed to fast-track approvals and complete all preparatory activities to ensure phased commencement of restoration and redevelopment works within the next six months, while maintaining strict timelines and sustained inter-agency coordination,” LG said.According to officials, the ghats, which existed prior to 1904-05 as per Delhi govt’s revenue records, are inaccessible to people due to encroachment or construction done on the banks.“While the ghats continue to be used for religious activities and the temples, heritage structures attract devotees, access to the riverfront remains a major challenge. Residential dwellings exist in the area and several newer structures have also been constructed,” a DDA official said.A survey done earlier found that around 1,150 people are residing in approximately 310 residential units across the ghat area, including 113 residents at ghat no. 1. Since much of the land falls under the ownership of govt and DDA, agencies are coordinating to clear the area before the restoration work begins.Officials held a meeting with Panda Association on April 28. The association, registered under Societies Act in 1986, submitted documents claiming that the erstwhile Notified Area Committee had granted it permission in 1934 to erect certain structures.“However, available records indicate that while the pandas have the right to perform rituals and religious activities, they do not possess ownership rights over the land or authority to construct structures without permission,” stated DDA in its report to LG.According to the report, the proposed interventions include the removal of residential structures, with rehabilitation being carried out wherever mandated under applicable rules or court orders.Officials consulted Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board officials in April, who agreed to provide temporary accommodation to eligible occupants shifted from this place in the night shelters located at Chandni Chowk, Geeta Colony, Rohini and other locations during the relocation process.Last month, Delhi High Court dismissed a plea challenging the eviction notices issued to over 300 families in the area. However, no demolition has taken place in the area so far.DDA’s plan also calls for the demolition of modern structures identified in the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) proposal, restoration of heritage assets such as temples and ghats, and comprehensive landscape development of the riverfront. These points were approved in DDA’s screening committee meeting.“DDA signed an MoU with INTACH in 2019 and it prepared a restoration plan after conducting site visits. The proposal was subsequently examined and found to be in order,” stated DDA.The INTACH study has also proposed standard operating procedures for evacuation of the ghat area during floods and for cleaning and restoration activities once floodwaters recede, ensuring that the riverfront remains both accessible and resilient.INTACH officials said that during their survey of the 66-hectare ghat area from Wazirabad to Old Railway Bridge, a lot of structures were found to be made without approval. “With the help of DDA, we managed to restore Vasudev Ghat but going further was really challenging.”DDA’s latest project envisages the development of a continuous riverfront promenade, pedestrian pathways, extensive landscaping and plantation drives, while highlighting the area’s heritage assets, including historic temples.“Proposed facilities include developing parking facility, staircase for retaining wall, ramp for universal access, redevelopment of ghats, artwork, sitting area, herbal park with green cover on 1.5 hectares and pedestrian track of 3 metres. As per LG’s direction, we will do detailed planning, costing, tendering, etc.,” said officials.
