Delhi Flood: Biodiversity Park Submerged; Restoration Efforts Underway
In a sudden turn of events, the recently developed Biodiversity Park in Delhi has been completely submerged due to heavy flooding. The park, which had just started attracting visitors, has been forced to close its gates to the public. The extent of the damage is vast, with the guards reporting that even the area where diplomats enjoyed tea and snacks, as well as the sprawling grasslands popular for cycling, have been submerged under ten feet of water.
The floodwaters have caused the entire area to become marshy, and officials predict that it will take months to restore the soil quality to a level where visitors can safely enjoy the park. The water began to rise on Tuesday evening, prompting the park authorities to swiftly close the premises. However, it continued to rise significantly, almost reaching the main gate.
Known as Asita East, the park is situated on the eastern bank of the Yamuna River. Spanning approximately 197 hectares, the park stretches from the Old Railway Bridge to the ITO Barrage. It boasts a restored wetland of 2.5 hectares, accompanied by over 60 million liters of water. Furthermore, Asita East boasts a rich plantation of 4,000 native trees, specific to the floodplain ecosystem. Additionally, it features about 3.35 million riverine grasses, which attracted an impressive 63 species of resident and migratory birds during winter last year.
The flooding isn’t limited to Asita East alone; all six biodiversity parks along the Yamuna floodplains, managed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), have also been affected. These include Yamuna, Aravalli, Kamla Nehru, Tilpath, Neela Hauz, and Tughlaqabad. While these parks have been restored areas, the extent of damage to vegetation and recent plantations is expected to be substantial.
HT reached out to the Lieutenant Governor’s office for a comment regarding the flooding of these biodiversity parks, but no response has been received as of yet.
The current situation raises concerns about the preservation of these natural habitats and wildlife conservation efforts. The flooding threatens the delicate balance of the ecosystem and raises questions about the measures needed to prevent such occurrences in the future. It is essential for authorities to assess the root causes behind the flood and devise strategies to protect these invaluable biodiversity parks.
As the floodwaters gradually recede, restoration efforts will commence, but the process is expected to be time-consuming. The priority lies in restoring the soil quality and vegetation, allowing the parks to once again become tourist attractions. Visitors eagerly await the reopening of these green spaces, where they can reconnect with nature and witness the diverse species that call these parks home.
In conclusion, the flooding of the newly developed Biodiversity Park in Delhi has dealt a blow to preservation and wildlife conservation efforts. The extent of the damage is immense, with all six biodiversity parks along the Yamuna floodplains affected. As restoration work begins, it is crucial for authorities to reflect on the underlying reasons for the flooding and implement measures to prevent future incidents. The restoration of these parks will not only serve as a tourist attraction but also provide a safe haven for numerous species and a source of ecological sustenance for the surrounding areas. Only through collective efforts can we ensure the preservation of these precious natural habitats for generations to come.
