For the first time in the National Capital, a comprehensive strategy for rejuvenating all drains and water-bodies of the city is being prepared. One of the most ambitious projects to be carried out in the water sector in the country, it proposes a paradigm shift in approach by using sustainable bio-remediation technologies to clean water and robust long-term management strategies to create city-level assets for all.
The project is being undertaken by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) with the Department of Irrigation and Flood Control (I &FC) as an important delivery partner. A number of projects are underway and over the next five years, the city will witness a transformation of its natural water resources. In addition, DJB has entered into a five-year research collaboration with the University of Virginia (UVA) on the River Yamuna Project to place riverfront restoration and development at the forefront of national consciousness.
DJB in partnership with UVA is presenting their research and visions for the Najafgarh Drain, the largest tributary of the Yamuna, in an extensive exhibition titled the River Yamuna Project organised at the India Habitat Centre to encourage dialogue amongst and elicit feedback from the multiple stakeholders of the city’s natural water system.
I support DJB’s effort towards rejuvenating the National Capital Territory’s water bodies and drains and hope that all stakeholders – private and public – will extend their full support to this process through active participation.
Shri. Anil Baijal
Lieutenant Governor, Delhi
OPENING EVENTS AND DISCUSSIONS:
9:00–10:00AM
Registration
10:00-10:10AM
Welcome Address
10:10-10:30 AM
Shri R.S. Tyagi, Member (Water Supply & Drainage), Delhi Jal Board
10:30-10:45AM
Keynote Address, Mr. Keshav Chandra, CEO, Delhi Jal Board
Panel Conversations and Talks:
10:45AM-12:30PM
Setting the Scene: Rejuvenating the Najafgarh Basin
Mriganka Saxena, Senior Consultant, Delhi Jal Board
12:30-1:15PM
Panel Discussion #1
1. Water Quality Modeling: The Case of Delhi & Others
Professor Winston Lung, UVA
2. Managing Solid Waste and Air Quality: Learning from Other Cities
Professor Vivian Thomson, UVA
3. Land-use Evolution and Resilient Environments
Professor Matthew Reidenbach & Professor Karen McGlathery, UVA
1:15-2:30PM
Lunch
2:30-4:00PM
Panel Discussion #2
1. Governance and the Delhi Rivers
Professor John Echeverri-Gent, UVA
2. Envisioning the City
Professor Pankaj Vir Gupta and Professor Iñaki Alday, UVA
Concluding Session: The Way Forward
A round table discussion moderated by Mriganka Saxena, Delhi Jal Board, and Professor Inaki Alday, UVA, to draw conclusions from the day in the context of Delhi.
EXHIBITION INAUGURATION
7:00-11:00PM Wednesday, March 29
Atrium (near Information Center) and Margosa & Silk Cotton Lawn
Habitat World at India Habitat Centre
Lodhi Road
New Delhi – 110003
(Entry from Gate no. 2frm Max Mueller Marg)
Program of Events:
Inauguration of the Yamuna River Project Exhibition
Honorable Lieutenant Governor Shri. Anil Baijal
Welcome & Keynote address,
Shri Keshav Chandra, CEO, Delhi Jal Board
Introduction to the River Yamuna Project
Teresa A. Sullivan, President, University of Virginia
Special Addresses:
Dr. Amarjit Singh, Secretary
Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India
Shri Anil Baijal, Honorable Lieutenant Governor
New Delhi
Shri R.S. Tyagi, Member (Water Supply & Drainage)
Delhi Jal Board
Followed by Cocktails & Dinner