The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has launched a new initiative to allow the public to book the sprawling green lawns of Asita Park, located near ITO, for hosting socio-cultural events. This move follows the successful model of Baansera and aims to further connect Delhi's residents with the rejuvenated Yamuna floodplains.
Booking Details and Rental Structure
Interested parties can now reserve various designated lawns within Asita Park for their events. The daily rental charges are substantial and vary significantly based on the size and location of the lawn. The rates are as follows:
- Surya Lawn (800 sqm): Rs 40,000
- Waterbody Lawn (1,560 sqm): Rs 50,000
- Café Lawn (3,000 sqm): Rs 1.00 lakh
- Budha Lawn (3,270 sqm): Rs 1.10 lakh
- Canna Lawn (2,860 sqm): Rs 1.40 lakh
- Main Congregation Lawn (8,900 sqm): Rs 2.90 lakh
- Circular Lawn (13,720 sqm): Rs 3.30 lakh
In addition to the rental fee, a cleaning charge of Rs 2.75 per square meter will be applied. The rental cost includes parking space for up to 40 vehicles. For most lawns, events can be booked for a maximum of three days, which includes time for setting up and taking down eco-friendly, non-permanent tents. However, the Circular Lawn is an exception and may be booked for up to five days.
Environmental Safeguards and Restoration Background
A DDA official emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader project to link Delhi's citizens with the Yamuna river, under the guidance of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. The official stated that all events will be strictly monitored to ensure compliance with the guidelines set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and other courts, with environmental protection as a top priority.
Asita Park itself is a testament to successful ecological restoration. Spanning approximately 197 hectares near Laxmi Nagar in east Delhi, it was once an encroached and degraded landscape contributing to river pollution. Intensive restoration work has transformed it into a lush green space. The park is part of a larger 200-hectare area from the Old Railway Bridge to the ITO barrage on the eastern bank, with DDA managing 90 hectares and restoring the remainder belonging to UP's irrigation department.
Comparison with Baansera and Broader Initiative
This development mirrors the existing booking system at Baansera, another revived floodplain park. At Baansera, daily booking fees range from Rs 25,000 to Rs 3.5 lakh, plus security and other charges. For example, a 12,000 sqm area at Baansera costs Rs 2.5 lakh for booking, plus additional fees for parking and registration.
The opening of Asita Park for events represents a strategic effort by the DDA to manage and utilize restored urban green spaces sustainably. It provides a premium, natural venue option for event organizers in the capital while promoting the conservation and public enjoyment of the Yamuna's floodplains. All activities will be governed by stringent environmental and regulatory safeguards to preserve the hard-won ecological gains.
