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.