• DDA apprises stakeholders of provisions of MPD-2047 relating to River Yamuna and Green-Blue Infrastructure
• Consultation focuses on measures for reducing and preventing pollution towards making Delhi pollution-free
• Consultation forms part of DDA’s three-month stakeholder outreach programme, with around 20 meetings being organised on various themes under MPD-2047

New Delhi; With the objective of facilitating wider stakeholder engagement on River Yamuna, Green-Blue Infrastructure and measures towards making Delhi pollution-free under the Master Plan for Delhi-2047 (MPD-2047), the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Monday organized its ninth stakeholder consultation. The consultation was held as per the directions of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who has been insisting that the issues related to the Yamuna and other blue and green assets in the capital, can be addressed susbstantively only if the people of the city start owning them up and become interested stakeholders in their maintenance and sustainance.

During the consultation, DDA briefed stakeholders on the key provisions of MPD-2047, with a focus on the rejuvenation of the River Yamuna and development of Green-Blue Infrastructure. The Authority highlighted the Plan’s emphasis on environmental sustainability and an integrated approach towards the protection, restoration and sustainable management of Delhi’s natural assets, with the aim of providing environmental, health, socio-cultural and economic benefits.

The Plan provides for ecological restoration, strengthening of urban forests and biodiversity, rejuvenation of the Yamuna and other water bodies, and conservation of floodplains, wetlands and natural and constructed drains. It also promotes nature-based solutions, indigenous species and connected green networks to improve environmental quality, strengthen climate resilience and enhance urban liveability.

The discussions also focused on provisions and measures aimed at reducing and preventing pollution in Delhi. Participating stakeholders shared their views and suggestions on various aspects, including the need for guidelines for e-waste management; protection of active Yamuna floodplains through identification of no-activity zones; preparation of a comprehensive plan for holistic regeneration of ecological resources; an integrated strategy to address traffic congestion and mobility; and an integrated framework for integration of above-ground and below-ground infrastructure development.

The meeting brought together representatives from various government organisations and institutions, including MCD, CPCB, Department of Urban Development, GNCTD, DPCC, Central Ground Water Board, PWD, NMCG, I&FC, Delhi Jal Board, WAPCOS, TERI, SPA and INTACH, among others. Prof. C.R. Babu (Retd.), Delhi University and Prof. Meenakshi Dhote, SPA Delhi were among the special invitees.

The ninth consultation forms part of DDA’s ongoing three-month stakeholder outreach programme aimed at engaging diverse stakeholder groups, facilitating wider understanding of the provisions of MPD-2047 and incorporating stakeholder perspectives for its effective and participatory implementation. Around 20 such consultations are being organised as part of the ongoing exercise, covering various thematic areas and stakeholder groups associated with Delhi’s planning and development.