New Delhi
As the polluted Yamuna River continues to be a major concern, Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma has suggested a bold and practical solution—let IIT Delhi and Delhi Technological University (DTU) take the lead in cleaning it up. His comments came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently promised to restore the river’s lost glory following the BJP’s victory in the Delhi Assembly elections.
An Expert-Driven Approach?
Sharma took to social media to share his ideas, proposing that the Centre should collaborate with top engineering institutes like IIT Delhi and DTU under a ‘Yamuna Clean Water Mission’. Given the technical expertise of these institutions, he believes they could play a major role in finding scientific and sustainable solutions for the long-standing issue of river pollution.
Beyond Cleaning: A Grand Waterfront Vision
But Sharma’s vision doesn’t stop at just cleaning the river. He also suggested turning the Yamuna into a world-class attraction, similar to the famous waterfronts in Dubai and Hong Kong. His ideas include:
- A massive Yamuna waterfront park with lush greenery, evening light shows, and musical fountains.
- A giant observation wheel—something like the London Eye—to attract tourists.
- Point-to-point ferry services, inspired by Hong Kong’s Star Ferry, to improve connectivity and decongest Delhi’s roads.
The Political Battle Over Yamuna
The cleaning of the Yamuna has been a long-standing election promise, used by different political parties over the years. PM Modi, while addressing BJP workers, accused Delhi’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of neglecting the river.
“I had pledged during the election campaign that we will make Yamunaji the identity of Delhi. No matter how much time or energy it takes, we will make every effort to serve the Yamuna,” Modi said.
He further criticized the Delhi government for failing to protect the river, calling it an insult to the faith and emotions of Delhi’s people.
Will This Time Be Different?
For decades, political leaders have made promises about cleaning the Yamuna, but little has changed on the ground. Pollution levels remain dangerously high, with industrial waste, untreated sewage, and toxic foam covering the river’s surface.
With a tech-driven approach like the one Sharma suggests, could this finally be a real step towards a cleaner Yamuna? Or will it remain yet another unfulfilled promise lost in political debates?
For now, the people of Delhi wait and watch, hoping that this time, something actually changes.
