The recent flooding of the Yamuna River has inflicted significant damage to numerous scenic riverfront parks in Delhi, leaving a path of destruction that will require months to address. Parks situated along the riverbanks are buried under nearly two feet of silt, impacting both the greenery and the structures. Vasudev Ghat, located near Monastery Market, along with the adjacent Vasudev Park—once a major attraction built at a cost of several crores—has been severely affected. The once lush landscape is now parched, with pathways and decorative elements clogged with silt, erasing the park’s former appeal. Heavy machinery is being utilized to clear the silt in open areas, and JCBs are moving the soil to other sites where landfilling is needed.
However, within Vasudev Park, where statues, staircases, and walkways exist, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has sent workers to manually clear the silt to avert structural damage. Officials estimate that the cleaning will take between 15 to 20 days. Cultural activities have also been disrupted; the daily Yamuna Aarti at Vasudev Ghat has been suspended, with both the park and ghat closed to the public until further notice. Restoration of Vasudev Park may take four to six months to achieve its previous state. Furthermore, Asita East Park (Yamuna River Front), which was under development with substantial investment, remains submerged, resulting in the destruction of flowers, plants, and greenery that cost millions.
Structures have also been damaged, adding to the government’s losses, which are estimated in crores. DDA Additional Engineer Ajay Kumar indicated that the repair and restoration process will be lengthy, stating, “The extent of damage is severe, and reviving these parks will take considerable time.” As the waters recede, cleanup and repair efforts are accelerating. However, until Delhi’s riverside parks are rehabilitated, residents will need to wait to enjoy these green spaces and participate in the Yamuna Aarti.
