YAMUNA RIVER FRONT

River Yamuna
Mythological History
Yamunotr According to legend, the Yamuna is
i
the daughter of Surya (the Sun
God) and his wife Saranya, and
the twin sister of Yama (the God
New Delhi of Death).
A dip in the Yamuna is believed to
free a person from all past sins and
contaminations of the material
Agra world.
As a part of timeless civilization,
Allahabad the River Yamuna, other than
being a traditional water source,
is also a cultural icon and is
worshipped as a Goddess in
Indian culture.
Yamuna: in Mathura Many temple towns are situated
Ghats located on the River Yamuna in Mathura.There are total number of 25 ghats along her banks and their
in Mathura.
characters are based on the river.
The Mahabharata also
Yamuna River Yamuna: at Yamunotri, its mentions Yamuna as being one
Map source of the seven tributaries of the
Ganges. Bathing in and drinking
Yamuna’s waters is believed to
remove sin since time
immemorial.
Later,Yamuna is associated with
the God Krishna. Krishna’s
association with the river began
right from his birth, when he let
her surging waters touch his feet.
Folklore and stories about his
childhood and youth are
Yamunotri Temple and told and retold today with a pure
Ashram Yamuna: in Agra and beautiful Yamuna as the
In Agra, the Yamuna forms the backdrop to one of the world’s seven backdrop; this is further reinforced
wonders, the Taj Mahal.
through most of our traditional and
folk poetry and dance forms.
According to legend, Krishna
jumped into the river to tame the
poisonous Kaliya snake, who was
polluting the river with his noxious
Location of Major Cities
River monitoring
fumes.
stations
WYC Western Yamuna Mythology is a complex science.
Canal EYC Eastern
Yamuna Canal Century-old tales and stories
can be interpreted by
generation after generation
Yamuna River: Delhi Yamuna near the (Image Source:
Stretch Himalayas Google) with their ever
complicated contexts and
changing ethos. Kaliya’s modern
Origin
day equivalents are the industrial
The Yamuna begins at Yamunotri, north of Haridwar, in the Himalayas.The source of the Yamuna technically is
Saptrishi units that release effluents into
Kund, a glacial lake. At Tajewala, 75 km upstream of Wazirabad, there is a barrage for the waters of the river to Yamuna: in Allahabad the river.
Her confluence with the Ganges and the mythical Saraswati rivers at Triveni Sangam
flow into the Western and the Eastern Yamuna Canal.The Yamuna enters Delhi from Palla Village, at a height of very
is a holy pilgrimage (Image Source:
Google)
211 metres above sea level. It exits the city at 197 metres above sea level, thus flowing along a very gentle spot.
gradient of 1 in 3000. Source-
http://e.duac.org/images/pdf/13.%20ITO%20river%20front.pdf
 River Yamuna - In Delhi The Main Sources of Pollution in the
Yamuna
The Delhi stretch of River Yamuna is barely 22 kms
of its entire 1,370-km long journey from Yamunotri
(its birthplace) to the ocean. Although barely 2 per
cent of the length of the river basin, it contributes
to over 80 per cent of the pollution load in the
entire stretch of
the river.There is no water in the river for virtually nine
months of the year. Delhi impounds water at the
barrage constructed at Wazirabad where the river
enters the city. What flows in the river subsequently is
only sewage and waste from Delhi’s 22 drains. In other
words, the river ceases to exist at Wazirabad.

1. Industrial
wastewaters

Wazirabad
Barrage

2. Dumping of 3. Immersion of
garbage idols

22 K M S
ITO
Barrage

4. Unauthorized settlements on 5. Bathing

riverbed cattle

Okhla
Barrage
Increasing pollution load is deteriorating the water
quality of River Yamuna. Domestic wastewater,
agricultural runoffs, mass bathing, offering of religious
materials, clay idols, etc., increases the pollution.
Due to the presence of large numbers of towns
and cities along the banks of the Yamuna, which
use the river to dump waste makes its condition
even worse.
Therefore, it is now imperative to identify viable Barrages on River 6. Domestic
remedial methods to clean the River Yamuna. Yamuna sewage
Source-
http://e.duac.org/images/pdf/13.%20ITO%20river%20front.pdf
 Medieval City between the Ridge and the Imperial City between the Ridge and the
River. River; Cantonment beyond the Ridge.

Lack of Identity. City reduced to a continuous Present Delhi

sprawl.
Contemporary City beyond the Ridge and the Future City will eat the Ridge and the
No Connection to the River.
River. River.

1931 AD Lutyens’ Delhi

1638 – Shahajahanbad
1649

1538 – Dinpanah
1545

1351–1388 Ferozabad
Expansion aimed at the reduction of natural Transformation of the city, the urban form changed from solid
resources within the city. to void to scattered. Jahanpanah
1325 –
1351
1321–1325 Tuglaqaba
d
circa 1297 – Siri
1307
AD

circa 736 – Lalko

1060 t
AD

circa 1450 Indraprasth

BC a
Creation of impervious Collective realm is restricted to the Natural resources become
surface. Loss of open space. movement corridors, detached from mere components of
the ground. urbanization. Chronological Evoloution of the City of Delhi
Source-
http://e.duac.org/images/pdf/13.%20ITO%20river%20front.pdf
AIM
• To create a environment, that gives a sense of belonging to the
visitors.
• To give a connection between city life, and an personal time.
• To provide a space where people can come to escape from there busy
life, and get some positive vibes.

Site Location- Delhi

Proposed By- Delhi Government ( By Delhi Urban Art
Commision)
Site Area – 21 Acre
Building Components- Museum, Gazibos, Site planning, Cycle
track
Program Details- to be derived.
Status- Not started.
1.3 Delhi - Metro 1.4 Delhi - Planning
Routes Zones

Operational Network
Line-1 (Dilshad Garden to Rithala)
Line-2 (Huda City Centre to Jahangirpuri)
Line-3 (Noida City Centre to Dwarka Sector
9) Line-4 (Yamuna Bank to Anand Vihar Legend
ISBT) Zone Boundary
Line-5 (Inderlok to Mundka) National Highway
Line-6 (Central Secretariat to Ring Roads
Badarpur)
Metro Airport Express Line
Phase-III River
(Proposed) Metro Yamuna
Stations Zone “O”
Study Area (Site) Study Area
(Site)

Delhi Planning Zones (Map

02)

Source-
http://e.duac.org/images/pdf/13.%20ITO%20river%20front.pdf
 SUB-ZONE 1

Riverfront at
28.18 Rajghat
% Powerplant
1.57% As Future
Development In
Another Phase SUB-ZONE 2
70..25%
300 Acre

Sub zone 4 extends

from Old Yamuna Bridge
Ecologically to ITO Barrage
Development in and along Sub zone 4
Sensitive(70.25%) Adaptive includes:
Re-Use (28.18%) W est: Red Fort Electric Crematorium,Vijay
Intensive Development Rajghat Ghat, Shanti Van, Shakti Sthal, IG Stadium,
(1.57%) (Railway Corridor) Power Plant and Delhi Secretariat
Powerplan SUB-ZONE 3
t(Future East: Unauthorized encroachments,
agriculture and cremation grounds
Development)
Proposed Predominant Use
Proposed West: Recreation
Site East: Recreation,
Pondage (water
SUB-ZONE 4 harvesting)

Immediate
Context
32 Acre SUB-ZONE 5
Sub Zone 4 (Map
Neighbouring
06)
Influence
Sub zone 5 extends from ITO Barrage to New Railway
Zone Bridge Development in and along Sub zone 5 includes
West: Indraprastha Power Plant, Indraprastha Metro
Station, Bus Depot
East: Unauthorized encroachment, agriculture,Yamuna
SUB-ZONE 6 Bank Metro Station

Proposed Predominant Use

East : Recreation, Public and Semi-public facilities.
Metro Depot
West: Utilities, Recreation, Ghats
Primary
Site
21 Acre
Adaptive
Re-Use
66
Acre
SUB-ZONE 7

Proposed Area of Development

Zone ‘O’ – Sub-zones (Map Sub Zone 5 (Map
(Percentage)
05) 07)
Source-
http://e.duac.org/images/pdf/13.%20ITO%20river%20front.pdf
Existing Vegetation On-
site

Issues and Potential

There is no visual and physical access to the river from the main roads adjoining the site, namely Mahatma
Gandhi Marg and Vikas Marg.

The railway line has the potential to be reused as part of the landscape element, but the heavy plantation
blocks the access to the railway line from/to the river.

There are numerous native varieties of trees, plants, shrubs and grass which need to be retained.
 Recommendations For Zone ‘O’
The River Yamuna/Riverfront, Zone ‘O’ has special characterstics and ecological significance for which various studies DDA Zonal Development Plan for River Yamuna Area (May
have been conducted from time to time. As such, the Zonal Development Plan for Zone ‘O’ has been conceived 2006)
to set the strategies for the rejuvenation of the River Yamuna and ecofriendly development. Two levels of urban design inputs are envisaged:
Riverfront Development: At present the width of the river bed varies between 1.5 kms to 3.0 kms and at most
sections neither the water course nor the opposite banks are visible. In order to integrate the river within the larger
MPD 2001 framework of the city and to bring the river closer to the citizens, at certain stretches, ‘aesthetic’ and ‘active’ riverfront
River Yamuna is to be made pollution free through various measures. On the vast expanse of its banks, large development is desirable.These stretches may comprise the following activities/uses with full complement of
recreational areas are to be developed and integrated with other urban developments so that the river is an recreational activities for all sections of citizens:
integral part of the city, physically and visually. • Bathing Ghats
• Pedestrian Boulevards
DUAC Conceptual Plan 2001 • Landscaped Venues
Landscape potential to be explored
Promote recreational activities, cultural centre, bird sanctuary, botanical gardens, water sports
etc.
NCR Regional Plan 2011 Conclusion from the Studies
River channelization, pollution control and riverfront Keeping in view the recommendation made in the various statutory plans, studies undertaken and the
developments conclusions
Steering Committee Recommendation on MPD- arrived at, the Zonal Development Plan for River Yamuna will have to address the following objectives:
a)Water Supply Augmentation
2001
Intercept all drains discharging sewage in the Yamuna b) Pollution Abatement
Comprehensive review and suitable change in land use c) Land Utilization/Management
SPA – Planning & Development of Yamuna River d) Eco-friendly Development
Bed • The development should not increase the pollution within the River Yamuna area, rather it should regenerate a
Augmenting Water Recharge Potential healthy environment.
Reducing Pollution • Any kind of development should be safe from flood damage even at peak flood level.
Conservation of Natural Areas • Identifying the stretches which can be/should be developed on priority basis and which do not require large
Recreation to be limited to financial
ecotourism Higher level of resources and are not prone to encroachments.
recreational facilities Strategies for riverfront development (8.3 ZONAL PLAN 2021):
NEERIof –integrated
Adoption Environmental
development Management Plan • To establish riverfront walkway, trails, parks.
• Low Development, No Built Up
model • To create visually pleasing order to the river’s edge.
Botanical gardens, nurseries, forest and picnic spots, special parks • To attract people and investment to the riverfront.
• Moderate Development, Low Built Up • To develop an arts/entertainment/cultural district.
Open-air stadium, amphitheatre, theme park, gardens, water sports, camping grounds, recreational • To expand leisure and recreational use of the river and
clubs, congregation grounds riverfront.
• Extensive Development, Moderate Built Up • To emphasize pedestrian streets that connect to the riverfront.
Convention Centres, Secretariat and Assembly, museums and financial district, cultural centre • To provide outdoor activities for the people.

Yamuna Action Plan for N C T D

Under the Yamuna Action Plan of Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India, the following
components are
funded by the Central Govt:
i) Low Cost Toilets
ii) Sewage Treatment Plants
iii) Electric Crematoria
iv) Bathing Ghats
v) Plantation

Source-
http://e.duac.org/images/pdf/13.%20ITO%20river%20front.pdf
 Site Challenges

Disconnected Waterfront Weak Public Life Minimal Open Space Fragile Urban Culture Unbalanced Traffic Institutional and Office Focused
Pattern Identity System Area

Challenge Challenge Challenge Challenge Challenge Challenge

The site has a beautiful setting at The site is well connected, yet The public space network is There are several historically and The site has Ring Road running on Overall, the site is dominated
the there unclear, culturally significant monuments in the west and Indraprastha by
water’s edge that has not been is a fragile pattern of urban life since the site lacks interesting, and in close proximity to the site. Marg/ Bridge to the north. offices and institutions.
fully embraced. with few informal recreational inviting and varied public But it does not translate into a These highways create barriers
Consequences activities taking place. spaces.The public space hierarchy place where you just spend time and limit access to the site.
The riverfront is poorly connected Most of the activities taking is unclear – where in the public spaces.The open Consequences
in place are considered necessary is the heart of the city? Where are space has lost its important role Consequences The lack of diversity and mix in
terms of pedestrian links, activities, such as offices and the places for quiet reflection or as a preferred meeting place. Not only has the area around the functions has a number of side
functions, views and vistas, commercial operations. Consequences
the places for physical activities site, but in general the city too, effects.There are generally fewer
The waterfront itself could be Consequences and
The play?
poor public spaces and the Consequences has become ‘car centric’.The car attractions and unique experiences
much more vibrant and The site does not have a distinct office/institution focused activities in The public spaces seem tends to be ‘king,’ meaning that in each area leading to a lack of
interesting, The waterfront’s character, and is poorly defined. this area cause fragile user patterns. underutilized. the vehicular traffic flows are highly mixed- user groups.
potential has been underutilized. There are a great deal of important A strong public life culture Few public spaces in and around prioritized, compromising
Absence of Visual Linkages, destinations on-site, but they are demands a place that is more the site manage to invite people to pedestrian and bicycle flow most In terms of public life, the site is
Physical Linkages with poorly connected and fail to inviting throughout the day, week spend time for informal recreational of the times. only highly active during office and
Riverfront generate public life activities. It is and the year. purposes and leisure. college hours.This leads to a
not a place that succeeds in inviting The outdoor city culture is Lack of Quick Accessibility perceived
people to generally underdeveloped and the Options to Metro and lack of safety in the evenings and
go to for informal activities such city needs more instantly appealing Various Civic Destinations weekends, and also impacts the
as strolling, biking or hanging out. and inviting public spaces. Lack of for Pedestrians use of public spaces.
public life is a self-perpetuating
process. Higher levels of public life Absence of Mix of Functions Precincts Deserted
tend to generate more life while and Safe W alking Condition after Business Hours
lack of public life has the opposite
effect.

Source-
http://e.duac.org/images/pdf/13.%20ITO%20river%20front.pdf
Source- Google maps
 Usabe Land
on river bank
Area- 5 Acre

Usable land
For construction
Area- 15 Acre

Abondoned Rail Track

Site Area- 80 Acre

Chath Puja Ghat

IP Power Station Building

Area- 4750 SQ M Footprint
Entry Points Existing Pathways (Green)
 6

Satyagraha
Marg
7

Maharao Krishna Rao

Marg
6 8

3 Velodrome Road
5
7 9

1 4

Sachivalaya
Road

2 1 2 3

High Intensity Low Intensity Road

Road Mid Intensity Metro Route
Road

Indraprastha Mahatma Gandhi Ring Road

Marg Marg
4 5

Bus Stops Circulation

The main ‘Circulation Nodes’ include,
Metro Stops Indraprastha Metro Station, Pragati
Maidan and Yamuna Bank on the East
Phase III Metro Bank.
Line

Blue Metro Line Vikas Sachivalaya

Marg Road
Proposed Site-
• Area- 80 Acre
• Museum
• Market
• Eco Park
• Office Building
• Nature Walk
• Cultural Centre
• Cycle Track
• Gazibo.
• Café

Things to add on
proposed site-
• Ghats
• Water odour solutions.
• Small ports
• Stage
• Open Air Theatre.
• Monumental scale Sculptures.