DDA Unveils Ambitious Plan to Restore 32 Ghats Along Yamuna Bazar
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has revived its plans to rejuvenate 32 historic ghats along the Yamuna Bazar stretch, aiming to transform the area into a major cultural, heritage and public destination. The project, which involves removing encroachments and relocating residential dwellings to improve public access to the riverfront, is expected to see on-ground progress within the next six months.
The roadmap for the Yamuna Bazar revitalisation project was recently presented to Lieutenant Governor TS Sandhu by DDA officials, outlining coordinated efforts by various agencies. Officials have been directed to fast-track approvals and complete preparatory activities to ensure phased commencement of restoration and redevelopment works within six months, while maintaining strict timelines and sustained inter-agency coordination.
Century-Old Ghats Inaccessible Due to Encroachments
According to officials, the ghats existed prior to 1904-05 as per Delhi government revenue records but are currently inaccessible due to encroachments and unauthorised construction on the banks. While the ghats continue to be used for religious activities and temples attract devotees, access to the riverfront remains a major challenge. Residential dwellings exist in the area, and several newer structures have also been constructed.
A DDA official stated, “While the ghats continue to be used for religious activities and the temples, heritage structures attract devotees, access to the riverfront remains a major challenge. Residential dwellings exist in the area and several newer structures have also been constructed.”
Survey Reveals Over 1,100 Residents in Ghat Area
A survey conducted earlier found that around 1,150 people are residing in approximately 310 residential units across the ghat area, including 113 residents at ghat no. 1. Since much of the land falls under government and DDA ownership, agencies are coordinating to clear the area before restoration work begins.
Officials held a meeting with the Panda Association on April 28. The association, registered under the Societies Act in 1986, submitted documents claiming that the erstwhile Notified Area Committee had granted it permission in 1934 to erect certain structures. However, DDA stated in its report to the LG that “available records indicate that while the pandas have the right to perform rituals and religious activities, they do not possess ownership rights over the land or authority to construct structures without permission.”
Rehabilitation Plans for Displaced Residents
The proposed interventions include removal of residential structures, with rehabilitation carried out wherever mandated under applicable rules or court orders. Officials consulted the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board in April, which agreed to provide temporary accommodation to eligible occupants shifted from the area in night shelters located at Chandni Chowk, Geeta Colony, Rohini and other locations during the relocation process.
Last month, the Delhi High Court dismissed a plea challenging eviction notices issued to over 300 families in the area. However, no demolition has taken place so far.
INTACH Collaboration for Heritage Restoration
DDA’s plan also calls for demolition of modern structures identified in the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) proposal, restoration of heritage assets such as temples and ghats, and comprehensive landscape development of the riverfront. These points were approved in DDA’s screening committee meeting.
DDA stated, “DDA signed an MoU with INTACH in 2019 and it prepared a restoration plan after conducting site visits. The proposal was subsequently examined and found to be in order.”
The INTACH study has also proposed standard operating procedures for evacuation of the ghat area during floods and for cleaning and restoration activities once floodwaters recede, ensuring the riverfront remains both accessible and resilient.
INTACH officials said that during their survey of the 66-hectare ghat area from Wazirabad to Old Railway Bridge, many structures were found to be made without approval. “With the help of DDA, we managed to restore Vasudev Ghat but going further was really challenging,” an INTACH official noted.
Proposed Facilities and Timeline
DDA’s latest project envisages development of a continuous riverfront promenade, pedestrian pathways, extensive landscaping and plantation drives, while highlighting the area’s heritage assets, including historic temples. Proposed facilities include parking, staircase for retaining wall, ramp for universal access, redevelopment of ghats, artwork, sitting area, a herbal park with green cover on 1.5 hectares, and a pedestrian track of 3 metres. Officials said, “As per LG’s direction, we will do detailed planning, costing, tendering, etc.”
