Amit Shah to Launch DDA’s International Kite Festival in Delhi

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the third International Kite Festival organized by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on January 15, 2024. The event will take place at the Baansera grasslands, situated on the Yamuna floodplains near Sarai Kale Khan in New Delhi. This three-day festival aims to promote cultural exchange and community engagement through the colorful tradition of kite flying.

The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for around noon at Birsa Munda Chowk in Baansera. Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, V.K. Saxena, will serve as the Guest of Honour, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also in attendance. The DDA Vice-Chairman, N. Saravana Kumar, extended an invitation to the public to visit the newly restored grasslands, which were previously degraded and polluted.

Transformation of Baansera Grasslands

The Baansera grasslands were reopened to the public in August 2024 following extensive restoration efforts. In a recent statement on social media, Lieutenant Governor Saxena praised the DDA’s work, sharing a video that highlights the area’s transformation from a polluted stretch to a lush green oasis. He noted that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision of restoring 2.6 crore hectares of degraded land across India by 2030.

Saxena explained that the restoration project began on May 28, 2022, shortly after he assumed office. During a visit to the heavily degraded area along the Yamuna, he envisioned Baansera, which has now become home to approximately 30,000 bamboo trees, indigenous flora, and numerous water bodies. The Lieutenant Governor described Baansera as a unique recreational destination and an ecological marvel that showcases the potential for environmental recovery.

Community and Ecological Impact

The newly established park features a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, a musical fountain, walking trails, and a children’s play area. It serves as a venue for social and cultural events, such as the upcoming Kite Festival and yoga sessions. Saxena emphasized the significance of this project in enriching Delhi’s biodiversity, mentioning that Baansera now supports the cultivation of renowned Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalaya and vibrant tulips.

Once considered a wasteland filled with garbage and construction debris, Baansera now boasts a rich landscape that enhances soil health and boosts oxygen levels through its bamboo trees. The Lieutenant Governor noted that the park symbolizes the successful restoration of the Yamuna floodplain, proving that ecosystems can thrive through thoughtful and gentle natural processes.

Saxena encourages all residents of Delhi to visit the park and experience its beauty, stating, “Baansera epitomizes the remarkable healing of Yamuna floodplain with improved soil health and a richer landscape.” The upcoming Kite Festival is expected to draw significant attention, highlighting the cultural richness and community spirit of the region.