Delhi Unveils Eco-Friendly Cruise Tourism on Yamuna

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) partners with Delhi agencies to launch eco-friendly cruise tourism on River Yamuna. This initiative, featuring electric-solar hybrid boats, aims to boost connectivity and tourism while promoting sustainable water transport on the four-kilometre stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

In a significant step towards sustainable tourism and connectivity, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several Delhi government agencies. Among the collaborators are the Irrigation and Flood Control department, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). The agreement focuses on developing cruise tourism on a four-kilometre stretch of River Yamuna, designated as National Waterway 110, between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur.

The MoU signing occurred at Asita Park, attended by prominent figures such as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, alongside Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Minister of State, Shantanu Thakur. Lauding the initiative, Sonowal highlighted the revival of India's waterways under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, emphasizing cleaner, efficient waterways to enhance both tourism and connectivity in Delhi.

The project purports to transform the Yamuna stretch into a hub for eco-friendly cruise operations, using electric-solar hybrid boats that cater to 20-30 passengers and equipped with bio-toilets and safety measures. Furthermore, IWAI will set up HDPE jetties to facilitate operations, boosting ecological tourism and short-distance navigation, thereby offering unique travel experiences while promoting local economic growth.

(With inputs from agencies.)