Yamuna Floodplains Transformed into Artisan-Ecological Oasis

As part of the "Artisans Eco Lab" initiative, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has started work on setting up a cultural and recreational space on the Yamuna floodplains. The project aims to blend community livelihoods with urban ecological stewardship, opening up the floodplains as a public-oriented destination.

The Artisans Eco Lab will serve as a hub where craftspeople, designers, and communities can co-create in harmony with the natural environment. It will promote traditional crafts and demonstrate how cultural livelihoods can coexist with urban ecology. The site, spread across 236.5 hectares, features flat terrain, grasslands, woodlands, and natural water depressions, making it a promising location for eco-sensitive development.

The project will adopt climate-resilient and water-sensitive design strategies to ensure ecological balance, as the site is periodically inundated during high river flows. The Eco Lab will host community and visitor-oriented programs, such as artisan workshops, seasonal craft bazaars, live demonstrations, and environmental education zones. Low-impact recreational spaces, including nature trails, birdwatching decks, and guided eco-tours, will also be introduced to promote sustainable tourism.