Minister Mishra orders strict compliance with NGT norms for Sonia Vihar project

A high-level review meeting was held at the Delhi Secretariat on Thursday under the chairmanship of Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra to assess the progress of the Sonia Vihar Onshore Facility Project, a key component of the government’s river tourism push along the Yamuna.

Senior officials from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) were present during the meeting. The minister reviewed the status of the onshore infrastructure, the proposed river tourism corridor and the planned cruise and ferry services. The discussion also covered pending approvals, site surveys, environmental compliances and other pre-construction requirements.

During the meeting, Mishra directed all departments to strengthen inter-agency coordination and accelerate the pace of the project. Stressing strict adherence to environmental norms, he instructed the officials concerned to ensure that all work in the Yamuna region followed the guidelines issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). He added that construction must be completed without delays and with high-quality standards.

According to the plan presented, the upcoming onshore facility at Sonia Vihar will include ticket counters, waiting halls, a rooftop restaurant, souvenir shops, a food zone, a play area, an amphitheatre, a designated Yamuna aarti space and a musical water fountain to be installed at the centre of the river. Officials said these features aim to create a vibrant recreational and cultural zone along the riverbank and expand tourism opportunities in the capital.

Calling the initiative a key step in redefining Delhi’s relationship with the Yamuna, Mishra said, “Making the Yamuna a new identity of Delhi is our top priority. The Sonia Vihar Onshore Project will give a new direction to Delhi’s river tourism. All departments must work in a coordinated manner with high standards and within the prescribed timelines. This is a project for Delhi’s future and it will be taken forward at full speed.”