Speakers: Prof. Deepak Pental, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi; Prof. A. K. Gosain, Professor of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi; Dr. Asad Rahmani, former Director Bombay Natural History Society; Justice Swatanter Kumar, former chairperson of the National Green Tribunal and former judge of the Supreme Court of India; and Ms Reena Mahajan, founder Studio DiverCity, Paris; architect, urban planner and advocate of sustainable cities

Chair: Suhas Borker, Founder Member, Green Circle of Delhi

The city of Delhi alone continues to contribute more than 70% of the pollutant load (untreated sewage and industrial effluents) in river Yamuna. The Yamuna floodplain ecosystems along its 22-kilometer stretch through Delhi is highly degraded and lost in some stretches. Expanding and upgrading sewage treatment plants (STPs) is essential; stringent measures are required to stop industrial pollutants from entering the river system.  Maintaining minimum river flow is critical as the river's reduced flow during the dry season spirals the concentration of pollutants. The idea of riverfront development which concretizes the floodplains and permits construction at the edge of the main channel has to be avoided at all costs. Maintaining a high level of ecological integrity of the river ecosystem has to be a critical part of the rejuvenation strategy. A concerted action needs to be taken at the national level to save river Yamuna.

NDMC Horticulture Department shall present a sapling to each participant; please bring a cloth/jute carry bag.

(Collaboration: Green Circle of Delhi)