NEW DELHI: Diplomats from 11 countries visited Asita East, a biodiversity park on the Yamuna floodplain, to participate in a nature trail and a bird-watching tour, Raj Niwas officials said on Sunday.The exercise was planned to showcase Delhi’s natural heritage before the world leaders congregating in the capital for various G20 events.Lieutenant governor V K Saxena hosted the envoys at Asita East, which is being restored by the Delhi Development Authority. “Ambassadors and other diplomats of 11 countries visited Asita East early morning and went on a nature trail and bird-watching tour along the floodplain, spotting over 30 species of birds,” said a senior official from LG’s house.The place has varied flora and fauna, including rare migratory birds, he said.”The diplomats also went cycling through the vast grasslands of Asita East. Considering the eco-sensitive character of the area, the visitors left their vehicles right at the entrance on Vikas Marg and took electric carts to reach the floodplain. Some of the visitors also preferred walking down to the floodplain,” he said.The foreign diplomats appreciated the rich bio-diversity and the efforts undertaken to restore the ecological character of the Yamuna, the statement from the LG’s house added.G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant was also present on the occasion.Saxena lauded the efforts that have gone into rejuvenating the Yamuna floodplain and exhorted all stakeholders to put in collective effort in undoing the destruction caused to the natural heritage due to rampant urbanisation. “Asita has been our own effort at such rejuvenation. Just six months ago, this fragile riverine ecosystem was a dumpyard of waste, squatters and stray animals. Persistent efforts by DDA have resulted in salvaging a self-contained ecosystem that houses rich natural diversity,” Saxena said.Though the Yamuna floodplain remained fragile, efforts were being made to restore and rejuvenate Delhi’s natural heritage that was crucial for making the capital environmentally sustainable with a refurbished green blue ecosystem, he said.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/g20-guests-on-nature-trail-along-yamuna/articleshow/98435302.cms