Cleaner Yamuna: Eco-Friendly Cruise to Sail by December.

Delhi is poised to offer a unique and eco-friendly tourism experience by December, with the planned launch of electric-powered river cruises on the Yamuna. This initiative marks a significant step towards revitalizing the river and promoting sustainable tourism in the capital.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has already awarded the contract for the construction of two essential jetties along the Yamuna at Sonia Vihar, located north of Wazirabad. Concurrently, the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Corporation Limited (DTTDC) has successfully selected an operator to manage the upcoming cruise facility. Officials anticipate the procurement of the electric boats within the next 3-4 months, with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) currently being drafted to finalize operational terms and revenue-sharing arrangements.

The cruise service will operate on a four-kilometer stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, an area chosen for its cleaner waters and sufficient depth to ensure smooth navigation for the boats. Sources indicate that Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena held a comprehensive review meeting on Thursday with senior officials from IWAI and other key stakeholders, including the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the Delhi Jal Board, and the DTTDC, to assess the progress of the work.

Adding to the attraction, officials revealed plans for a musical, theme-based water projection show to be installed in the middle of the Yamuna. This innovative show will narrate Delhi's rich history, showcase diverse Indian dance forms, and highlight the ecological and cultural significance of the Yamuna River.

This project is a culmination of a broader collaborative effort. IWAI and all relevant departments signed an MoU in March this year, uniting stakeholders with a shared vision to promote sustainable tourism on the Yamuna. Following this, DTTDC issued an expression of interest to onboard a qualified company to run the cruise operations. An official commented, "This also underlines the Centre's active involvement and collaboration with Delhi government in rejuvenating the Yamuna, which resulted in materializing the cruise operation in just three months, while it was lying with the previous government for a year."

The upcoming eco-friendly river cruise is expected to offer both residents and tourists a novel way to experience Delhi's iconic river, emphasizing environmental consciousness and cultural heritage.