Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently unveiled plans for a transformative riverfront project along the Sahibi River, commonly known as the Najafgarh drain in Delhi. This ambitious initiative aims to revamp a neglected area into a vibrant green space for the community. During her inspection of ongoing projects to clean the Yamuna river, Gupta, accompanied by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Water Minister Parvesh Verma, highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing the region’s environmental landscape.
A Vision for Transformation
Gupta emphasized the significance of the 50-acre plot in Uttam Nagar’s Vipin Garden, which has suffered from neglect and encroachment over the years. She expressed her vision to convert this space into a lush park, accessible to all residents. “This land holds immense potential for the community and has long been left in a deplorable condition. We are now committed to converting it into a lush, accessible green space,” Gupta stated. This revitalization project underscores the government’s dedication to creating sustainable, community-focused spaces in the city.
The CM’s inspection also included a comprehensive review of desilting work at various drains, such as the supplementary drain in Wazirabad, and Barapullah, Sunheri Pul, and Kushak drains. The primary objective of this assessment was to evaluate the progress of desilting major drains, identify waterlogging causes, and ensure timely completion of cleaning and repair activities before the monsoon season. Gupta emphasized the importance of not only technical desilting processes but also comprehensive efforts to restore ecological balance to the Yamuna river. “The progress observed today compared to the previous inspection is commendable — modern machinery is operating efficiently for desilting in the drains. Govt’s objective is to ensure that water flows naturally through the drains, free from obstructions. When it enters the Yamuna, it should be free from pollution, thereby facilitating the restoration of the river to its pristine state,” she explained.
Ground-Level Commitment
In a bold move, Gupta criticized the previous government for failing to understand the urgency of assessing drain conditions on the ground. She emphasized the importance of hands-on monitoring and personal oversight to ensure the success of Yamuna cleaning efforts. “Drain cleaning is not just a pre-monsoon formality. It is about safeguarding public health and urban infrastructure,” Gupta asserted. By taking a proactive approach to overseeing drain cleaning initiatives, the current administration aims to elevate the city’s environmental standards and mitigate waterlogging issues.
Following the inspection, Lieutenant Governor Saxena echoed Gupta’s sentiments, emphasizing that waterlogging concerns in the capital extend beyond the monsoon season. He stressed the need for collaborative, coordinated, and permanent solutions to address infrastructure challenges and improve residents’ quality of life. “Today’s joint inspection of the capital’s drains in collaboration with various departments is not merely to identify problems, but also to ensure time-bound, coordinated, and permanent solutions,” Saxena stated. By fostering mutual cooperation and transparency among departments, the government aims to create a clean, safe, and waterlogging-free environment for Delhi’s residents.
As the government continues to prioritize environmental rehabilitation and infrastructure development, initiatives like the riverfront project along the Najafgarh drain underscore a commitment to sustainable urban transformation. Through strategic planning, community engagement, and proactive monitoring, Delhi is poised to achieve a greener, healthier future for its citizens.
