New Delhi, Oct. 26 -- Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday inspected the upcoming Yamuna cruise service between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur and reviewed Chhath preparations at Soor Ghat, directing officials to complete pending works before the festival. While the government aims to open the Yamuna Safari to the public before Chhath Puja, the CM also flagged shortcomings in sanitation, lighting, water supply and basic amenities at Soor Ghat, warning that negligence in ensuring devotees' safety and convenience would not be tolerated.
During the trial run of the cruise service, Gupta reviewed the project's progress, operational arrangements and facilities being developed for visitors. She said the initiative would strengthen Delhi's cultural connection with the Yamuna while creating new tourism and recreational opportunities.
"Delhi shares a deep emotional and cultural bond with the Yamuna. The launch of Yamuna Safari will give this bond a new dimension while opening up fresh opportunities for tourism and recreation in the capital," she said.
The cruise service is being developed along an approximately six-kilometre stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. Officials informed the CM that the cruise would accommodate 30 passengers, with a round trip to the Shani Temple in Jagatpur and back expected to take 35 to 45 minutes.
The trial run is planned to continue for around a week, with preparations for the formal launch expected to be completed in the first week of November. The final date is yet to be announced. Under the proposed pricing structure, entry to the premises will cost Rs 50, while the complete cruise trip will be priced at Rs 500.
The project will include food kiosks, a restaurant, a children's zone and other public amenities. Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said the initiative was taking shape through coordination between the Centre, the Delhi government and other agencies. The project involves the Inland Waterways Authority of India, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Tourism and Transportation
Development Corporation, Irrigation and Flood Control Department and Delhi Jal Board.
Meanwhile, during her inspection of Soor Ghat, Gupta directed officials to repair damaged gates and rusted structures, improve sanitation, ensure adequate lighting and restore water connections. She also expressed concern over the condition of toilets and other facilities, instructing departments to complete repairs and ensure that all amenities were functional before the festival. Emphasising the need for coordination, she said officials must address shortcomings well in advance rather than wait until Chhath.
"Chhath is a celebration of faith, emotions and traditions connected to their roots for lakhs of families from Purvanchal living in Delhi. Providing every devotee with a clean, safe and convenient environment is the government's responsibility," Gupta said.
She directed the departments concerned to prioritise cleaning, repairs, painting, lighting, security and facilities for devotees, making it clear that temporary fixes would not suffice.
The twin initiatives come as the Delhi government prepares for Chhath Puja, with the proposed Yamuna Safari expected to add a tourism attraction while arrangements at Soor Ghat are being strengthened for devotees.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.