New Delhi, Nov 10 Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma on Tuesday rode a jet ski on the Yamuna at the launch of the city’s first cruise service, Namo Yamuna River Safari.
Verma, who could be seen steering the jet ski from left and right while riding with a guide, said the BJP government has taken significant steps for rejuvenation work across the Yamuna’s 52-km stretch through Delhi over the past 18 months.
“Our priority from day one has been to clean Maa Yamuna and develop a beautiful riverfront for Delhi, just like the Sabarmati riverfront (in Ahmedabad). I believe that a riverfront can become a reality only when the river is clean.
“In the next phase, we will focus on the stretch from Wazirabad to Kalindi Kunj, which will take another two to two-and-a-half years,” Verma said.
Earlier, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the cruise service at Sonia Vihar.
The cruise will operate between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, covering around 4-5 km, with each ride lasting about 40 minutes. The ticket has been priced at Rs 500 per person.
“People of Delhi should be proud of Yamuna, which should be a tourist spot. The double engine government is working towards reducing pollution in the river, and all the departments are working together.
“We are working to reduce the sewage treatment gap in the city, and tenders for new sewage treatment plants have been issued,” Varma said in a statement.
The water minister said the Delhi Jal Board is working to increase the sewage treatment capacity of the city so that untreated waste does not enter the river.
The Delhi government launched the recreational cruise service to promote river-based tourism along the Yamuna stretch upstream of the Wazirabad barrage.
Each ride will accommodate a maximum of 30 passengers, and tickets will be available online through the Delhi Tourism website.
The air-conditioned boats are equipped with inboard bio-toilets with zero discharge, an announcement system and safety jackets, officials said.
(PTI News)
