Yamunanagar is set to get a new public recreational destination as the Municipal Corporation moves ahead with plans to develop and beautify a riverfront along the Western Yamuna Canal under the Divya Nagar Yojana. Estimated to cost around ₹9 crore, the project is intended to improve civic amenities, make the city more attractive and provide residents with a dedicated space for walking, exercise, leisure and outdoor recreation.

The foundation stone for the project was laid on Saturday by Yamunanagar MLA Ghanshyam Dass Arora and Mayor Suman Bahmani. The proposed development will cover an approximately 4.5-kilometre stretch, five metres wide, running from behind OP Jindal Park to Fatehpur Bridge. The work will include the development and beautification of the canal-side track, which is currently unpaved in several sections.

Once completed, the project is expected to improve the appearance and usability of the Western Yamuna Canal corridor while making everyday movement along the route more convenient. The upgraded stretch is also expected to offer residents a more accessible location for morning and evening walks, jogging and other outdoor activities.

Landscaped Green Spaces and Modern Public Amenities

Mayor Suman Bahmani and Municipal Corporation Commissioner Mahabir Prasad said the project would include a landscaped area with modern public facilities along the Western Yamuna Canal. The development plan places emphasis on greenery, pedestrian access, lighting and seating so that the stretch can be used more comfortably throughout the day.

A 2.8-kilometre-long footpath will be constructed for pedestrians. The walkway is expected to provide a more organised route for residents who use the canal-side area for walking and exercise. The project also envisages the development of attractive gardens to increase greenery and improve the overall surroundings.

For the convenience of visitors, nine modern-design bench canopies will be installed at suitable locations. These seating facilities are intended to provide places where people can rest during walks and spend time outdoors. In addition, 120 fancy and decorative lights will be installed across the area. The lighting is expected to enhance the appearance of the riverfront in the morning and evening and provide better illumination after dark.

Drainage and Safety to Remain Key Priorities

The project also includes provisions aimed at improving safety and preventing waterlogging. Drainage channels will be constructed to ensure the proper discharge of rainwater and reduce the likelihood of water accumulating on the developed stretch during the rainy season.

Safety measures are planned along the canal edge. A stone wall measuring 1,050 millimetres in height will be constructed, with 1,200-millimetre-high mesh fencing installed above it. These barriers are intended to regulate direct access to the canal and help reduce the risk of accidental falls or other mishaps. Adequate lighting and a properly organised pedestrian route will further support safer use of the area.

Paving the Unpaved Track to Improve Connectivity

At present, the approximately 4.5-kilometre stretch along the Western Yamuna Canal, from Bari Majra to Fatehpur Bridge on the old Saharanpur Road, remains unpaved. During the rainy season, mud and slush can make movement along the route difficult, creating inconvenience for people who use it to reach nearby areas.

The riverfront project proposes to develop and pave the canal-side track, offering relief from these recurring difficulties. A more durable surface is expected to improve movement along the stretch and make access towards the old Saharanpur Road more convenient. The improvement is relevant not only for people visiting the proposed recreational area but also for local residents who depend on the route for everyday movement.

Cleanliness and Environmental Protection in Focus

The proposed riverfront is intended to do more than improve the visual appearance of the canal bank. The project also aims to encourage a cleaner and more orderly environment around the Western Yamuna Canal and support efforts to protect the waterway from pollution. The planned gardens, landscaped areas and organised pedestrian facilities are expected to improve the surroundings and create a more welcoming public space.

If developed and maintained effectively, the riverfront could become a useful addition to Yamunanagar’s public infrastructure. Residents would have another option for morning and evening walks, running and exercise, while the landscaped setting and decorative lighting could make the area more attractive to visitors from outside the city.

Civic Infrastructure with Long-Term Public Value

With an estimated investment of ₹9 crore, the Western Yamuna Canal riverfront is an important planned civic development for Yamunanagar. Its proposed combination of a paved track, pedestrian walkway, greenery, seating, decorative lighting, drainage and protective fencing is intended to address existing inconveniences while creating a more attractive recreational corridor.

The project will also place responsibility on the civic authorities to ensure that the infrastructure remains clean, safe and accessible after construction. Regular upkeep of the footpath, gardens, lighting, drainage and fencing will be essential to preserving the public value of the investment. The initiative represents a planned effort to improve the canal-side landscape while providing residents with additional space for recreation and outdoor activity.

Officials and Public Representatives Attend Ceremony

Among those present at the foundation-stone ceremony were BJP state secretary and former Mayor Madan Chauhan, BJP district president Rajesh Sapra, Executive Engineer Vikas Dhiman, Assistant Engineer Mrinal Jaiswal, Rozy Malik Anand, Ram Niwas Garg, councillors Kiran Yadav, Santosh and Tilak Raj, Surendra Sharma, Sangeeta Singhal, Manoj Dhiman, Pawan Pratap, Rahul and Sunil Bhardwaj, among others.