SINCE JUNE 2022, efforts towards rejuvenating the Sahibi river in Delhi, also known as the Najafgarh drain, have gained traction in government circles. The river runs from Rajasthan to Delhi via Haryana. The plan was to first revive a 12 km stretch between Timarpur and Basai Darapur localities in Delhi, and ultimately the entire 57 km stretch of the river within the national capital's borders, transforming it into a navigable waterway.
This revival process envisions cleaning, desilting and embankment restoration, says an official from the Delhi Irrigation and Flood Control Department. While the irrigation department is managing desilting and restoration of embankments, Delhi Jal Board is tasked with intercepting 126 drains and treatment of the water. The Department of Tourism will supervise operation of passenger and cargo boats on the river.
However, the plan currently falls short in acknowledging the crucial need to rejuvenate the entire river, rather than just Delhi's share. A large part of the riverbed in Rajasthan and Haryana remains parched and, in several areas, shows no visible trace. While the Sahibi's course can be traced in Delhi, its waters no longer reach the city. True rejuvenation of the river in the city hinges on its restoration in the two neighbouring states.
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