The lieutenant-governor (L-G), also chairperson of the Yamuna Development Authority, has asked the Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems (CEMDE) to prepare an action plan to create a biodiversity zone on the 22,000-hectare Yamuna bank stretching from Wazirabad to Okhla.

A 154-hectare area (Golden Jubilee Park behind Rajghat) on the riverfront has already got approval to be converted into a biodiversity park.

While two meetings have been held on the issue of developing the riverfront into a biodiversity zone, CEMDE is expected to submit its action plan in the next meeting scheduled for July 9. Officials from CEMDE said the emphasis will be on creating wetland plant communities native to the Yamuna ecosystem and facilitating creation of natural underground reservoirs.

“The plan does not involve any change in land-use — the L-G is keen that the Yamuna floodplain area should be utilised in ecologically viable projects,” said Ranjan Mukherjee, Officer on Special Duty to the L-G. “The L-G is keen on developing the Yamuna front as a biodiversity zone as this will also lead to tremendous water recharge.

“This is also in keeping with the idea that there should be absolutely no concretisation on the flood plain.”

A scientist from CEMDE said, “We want to plant native vegetation and grasses endemic to the Yamuna ecosystem on the banks. These will also boost water retention and create a better sink and effective underground water reservoirs on the floodplain.”

According to the scientist, this will help recharge the city’s water table, as monsoon water will be retained.

The Yamuna floodplain till date does not enjoy any legal protection, though violations on the ecologically sensitive area have been brought to light.

Environmental activist Manoj Mishra said he has complained to the L-G regarding dumping of toxic fly ash on the Yamuna banks against the Environment Ministry’s norms. “Fly ash has been dumped to level the area next to the Commonwealth Games village site,” Mishra said. “This is highly toxic and can further poison the river.”

Noida residents have also objected to the proposal of building residential flats on Yamuna Khadar land between the DND flyway and Old Pushta Road.

Parks as perks for flora, fauna
CEMDEhas created two biodiversity parks on degraded DDA land, dedicated to native Yamuna and Aravalli ecosystems.

YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK at Wazirabad has a waterbody and wetland ecosystem that attracts thousands of migratory birds in winter. These birds once visited the Yamuna banks.

ARAVALLI BIODIVERSITY PARK at Vasant Kunj has recreated the dry Aravalli forest cover, part of Delhi’s flora.