Delhi's first recreational river cruise is now on the water. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Tuesday launched the 'Namo Yamuna Cruise Safari' at Sonia Vihar, IANS reported — completing the launch that the ministry had announced a day earlier, on Monday, for the Sonia Vihar-Jagatpur stretch of the Yamuna, designated National Waterway-110.

Source: IANS

The service offers an approximately 30-minute cruise on a 6-kilometre round trip between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, ANI reported. Delhi Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra and Deputy Chief Minister Parvesh Verma were also present at the launch, and after the inauguration Sonowal, Gupta and Mishra took a ride on the cruise themselves.

Source: ANI

Speaking to IANS, Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said the cruise safari is a joint project of the Central government, the Delhi government and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The boat is electric-powered and has a capacity of around 40 passengers, and more boats will be added in the coming days. A musical fountain show will be held at the site every evening, showcasing the stories of Lord Krishna and Maa Yamuna, a recreational and entertainment zone has been developed along the riverbank, and a 5-kilometre riverfront is also planned. Mishra said the project complies with National Green Tribunal (NGT) norms and that water sports activities will be added in the near future.

Source: IANS

Chief Minister Gupta called the launch a 'special occasion' for the residents of the national capital. 'This is not just about launching a boat or a cruise; it is about our faith in Maa Yamuna. Today, through the launch of this cruise, we will be able to go closer to Maa Yamuna,' she said, adding that it would be a first experience of its kind for Delhi residents, which so far was limited only to other cities like Prayagraj. She said the site offers a light and sound show, recreational activities and amenities for children and adults alike, ANI reported.

Source: ANI

Sonowal said the Delhi government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is committed to cleaning the Yamuna and making its water beneficial for people's lives, and credited the Prime Minister's commitment for making a river cruise possible in the capital. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) spearheaded the project under the ministry, in collaboration with the DDA, the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, the Delhi Jal Board and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, according to the ministry's announcement.

Source: PIB / Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways