BREATHING LIFE INTO CITY'S FORGOTTEN RIVERFRONT

Baansera Park transforms a once-polluted stretch of the Yamuna floodplain into a 402-acre lush green eco-park which stands as a model of urban sustainability, telling a tale of complete reclamation within just 18 months, report Anup Verma & Ifrah Mufti

- Anup Verma & Ifrah Mufti

FOR most Delhiites, mornings mean a stroll through the leafy expanses of Lodhi Garden or the heritage-rich lawns of Sunder Nursery. Yet, tucked away quietly on the west bank of the Yamuna-just opposite the bustling Sarai Kale Khan bus stand lies a hidden gem. Baansera Park, with its sprawling bamboo groves, tranquil water bodies, and breathtaking views of Humayun's Tomb, is the capital's newest ode to green living and river rejuvenation.

Spread across 402 acres, Baansera Park stands as a shining example of how the neglected floodplains of the Yamuna can be transformed into ecologically rich and aesthetically inviting spaces. Developed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) as part of the larger Yamuna Riverfront Development Project, the park embodies a rare balance between recreation and restoration.

Where bamboo meets the moon

Baansera, literally translating to bamboo haven lives upto its name, meandering through its greeny trails with amber-coloured sand beneath the feet feels almost meditative. The paths, lined with dense clumps of green bamboo and rustic benches, lead you to what locals fondly call the moon a raised plateau that serves as a natural viewing point. The view there opens up to the dome of Humayun's Tomb on one side, framed against the soft curve of Yamuna and the silhouette of the Barapulla flyover on the other side.

The design of this park thoughtfully merges modern landscaping with nature's raw textures. Three interconnected water bodies punctuate the park, one hosting a set of musical and colourful fountains that come alive during the evening, while ducks glide and birds hum lazily at the other two. It's biodiversity is beginning to flourish, attracting migratory birds and creating a thriving ecosystem. Just as when you take left from this moon through the bamboo trail a narrow stone path curves gently across the stretch taking you to a small wooden bridge that arches over a still pond.