Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday launched the ‘Namo Yamuna River Safari’ at Sonia Vihar, describing the initiative as a reflection of people’s faith, love and devotion towards ‘Maa Yamuna’.
The eco-friendly tourism project offers a six-kilometre round-trip cruise between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Delhi Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra and Deputy Chief Minister Parvesh Verma were present at the launch. Following the inauguration, Sonowal, Gupta and Mishra also took a cruise ride on the river.
Addressing the gathering, Gupta said the initiative would offer Delhi residents a new recreational experience, eliminating the need to travel to other cities to enjoy such activities.
“Today, we are all set to witness something truly special here in Delhi: the launch of the ‘Namo Yamuna Safari’ on the sacred Yamuna River. This initiative is about much more than just a cruise, a safari, or a boat ride; it is a reflection of our deep-rooted faith, love, and devotion towards ‘Maa Yamuna’,” she said.
The Chief Minister said the site would feature a light and sound show, recreational activities and facilities for children and adults. She invited residents to visit the destination with their families and experience the safari along the Sonia Vihar-Jagatpur route.
Gupta also highlighted infrastructure projects undertaken in Delhi, saying projects worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore had been implemented under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, in collaboration with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, to ease traffic congestion in the national capital.
“Large flyovers have been constructed, and new expressways have been built,” she said.
Referring to the government’s environmental initiatives over the past 21 months, Gupta said efforts were being made to balance environmental protection with cultural celebrations. She also assured residents that Chhath celebrations would be organised on a larger scale this year.
Union Minister Sonowal underscored the importance of water and said the Prime Minister had taken steps to explore the potential of India’s inland waterways after assuming office.
“Water is the lifeblood of all living beings; no creature on this earth can survive without it,” Sonowal said.
He described the launch at Sonia Vihar, organised in collaboration with the Delhi government and with support from the local community, as a reflection of the Prime Minister’s vision for the development of inland waterways.
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra said the project was inspired by PM Modi’s vision and would emerge as a tourism destination in the national capital.
He said a recreational zone had been developed at the site, with food, children’s and entertainment facilities for families. Visitors will also be able to watch a musical fountain show every evening, featuring stories associated with Lord Krishna and the Yamuna.
Mishra said more boats would be added in the future and water sports activities would also be introduced. He described the facility as an international-standard tourism destination and said it was within walking distance of Sonia Vihar Metro Station.
Deputy Chief Minister Parvesh Verma said the launch reflected coordination between the Delhi government and the Centre.
Expressing concern over the condition of the Yamuna, Verma said the river had gradually lost its identity over the past 20-25 years and had come to resemble an open drain.
He urged residents to help keep the river clean by avoiding the disposal of plastic and religious offerings into it.
“While the government will do its part, every resident of Delhi must also play their role,” he said, adding that the initiative should help revive people’s cultural connection with the river while developing it as a tourist destination.
The Namo Yamuna River Safari offers a six-kilometre round-trip cruise between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. The facility includes recreational, food and entertainment zones, along with a musical fountain show. More boats and water sports activities are planned for the future.
(ANI Inputs)
