Yamuna river front development
Noida Authority has now decided to start the project of Yamuna riverfront development. Many environmentalists have decided to take the matter of river front development to NGT (National Green Tribunal), a specialized body which handles environmental disputes. This 200 crore project will be the first step in cleansing of the polluted Yamuna river bed.
This project emphasises on providing recreational spaces such as parks, sports centers, picnic centers, yoga centers etc which will be a good utilization of river bed without polluting it. So even if the project is taken to NGT for disputes, the authorities are hoping for a green signal. The plans are made in such a way that the water will not reach these recreational spaces even in the rainy seasons. This project will also give a push to the river front development on Delhi side.
Noida authorities are looking into this project with a positive sense where as DDA’s opinion is to stop the project because they believe that this project will disturb the floodplains causing floods into the city. So DDA has acted accordingly allotting an expert panel for this issue to give recommendation to NGT. Authorities say that the project Yamuna River Front Development cannot continue or else the city will be flooded.
Noida authorities plan to develop these floodplains with sports facilities such as golf course, polo ground and recreational facilities for children. These barren lands need be developed or else will be occupied by slums and illegal colonies spread up all over these regions. Effective management in one way or the other is necessary. Vegetation or forests need to be planted so that the soil erosion and other environmental problems will not happen. Some look at this project as a hindrance and some consider this project as the best option.
The land-use for these floodplains is categorised into recreational in Master plan 2021, but for development the authorities need clearance from UP irrigation department. Many people believe that the natural habitat and the environment present should not be disturbed and should be kept as it is. The surrounding environment will get tampered and can face severe environmental hazards. However the NGT will decide regarding the issue whether to be continued or not.
