India International Centre and Green Circle Of Delhi, organised the 11th edition of the above initiative (started in the year -2013), towards restoration of the Yamuna Floodplains and Drainage Systems, on 5th June-2024 at the India International Centre, New Delhi.
Besides the Founder Member of this Citizens ‘ Group, Mr. Suhas Borker ( Trustee – IIC ), the panelists of the Conference included Environment Experts, Former Bureaucrats, Engineers, including former Union Environment Secretary, Mr. Ashok Lavasa.
The panel dwelt on diverse issues which have been impacting the river Yamuna and it’s Floodplains, water challenges for the city dwellers, the Drainage System and a call for more focus on Rainwater Harvesting that can mitigate the need of clean water besides reducing the demand on the Yamuna.
The panelists included Mr. Ashok Mandal, a resident of Anand Lok, who spoke about how the drainage system has a direct link with the sewage system and Rain / Storm Water management with all sewage/ water ending up in the Yamuna. Mr. Mandal also highlighted the Colony-level Rainwater Harvesting System envisioned and implemented by him as the President of the Anand Lok RWA during 2003-2004 when the ground water level was at 60 Feet.
During extensive servicing of all the 8 RWH units in 2023, it was observed that the ground water level had risen to 27 -30 Feet in all the units , while watering of all 3 parks of the colony as well as some sundry applications of water, get done by using the groundwater.
Another panelist, Mr. Vinay Kumar, a resident of Gulmohar Park and former Associate Editor of The Hindu, spoke of how Seoul’s Han River ( along with Cheonggyyecheon – a stream that finally merges with the Han ) was cleaned and rejuvenated over a period of time through a strong political will.
The event was attended by Concerned Citizens, Academicians, Environmental Activists and the Press with The Times Of India, New Delhi ( dated 7th June – 2024 ) carrying a report on the proceedings of the Seminar highlighting the salient points.
We hope that the initiatives such as this by Civil Society Groups are being noticed for implementations by the decision-makers / people in power, thus ensuring a better future for the citizens.
