Context
The Yamuna Biodiversity Park and other restoration initiatives along the Yamuna's floodplains have shown diverse reactions to the inundation in the wake of the most recent rains.
An investigation of successful repair strategies is prompted by this discrepancy.
  
Diverse Reactions to Flooding
·         The 457-acre Yamuna Biodiversity Park in Jagatpur, which is only 500 metres from the Yamuna, was mainly unaffected by the flooding. The water retreated, leaving the floodplain region of the park almost completely undamaged.
·         Water accumulated in the Asita East neighbourhood near the ITO Bridge, which experts attribute to clogged water drainage channels.
·         Similar to this, silt had to be manually removed from the deposited places in the floodplain project area near the Commonwealth Games Village since it remained underwater. The huge silt deposit at Qudsia Ghat, close to Kashmere Gate ISBT, necessitated time-consuming cleanup procedures. These discrepancies in results raise the question of why these projects handled the floods in such disparate ways.
·         Success of the Yamuna Biodiversity Park:  It is working to restore a 100-acre wetland that was once an abandoned Yamuna canal. A natural reservoir, the wetland efficiently collects extra water during floods and helps with slow water release. The grasslands in the park, which are a mixture of four different types of grass, show resilience as they recover from flooding thanks to their deep root systems.

The significance of floodplains  
·         Flood prevention: The riparian zone, which includes wetlands, grasslands, and floodplain woods, is crucial. Grasslands function like sponges to hold onto water and stop erosion. Wetlands make it easier for water to drain into rivers, which replenishes the floodplain. This complex interplay helps to improve water quality, reduce flood damage, and maintain ecosystem health.
·         Ecological Function: The floodplains are extremely important for replenishing groundwater and storing surplus water. During flood occurrences, they act as a protective barrier, slowing the water's movement. The aquifers that recharge groundwater are formed in part by the sediments found in floodplains.
·         Sustaining Livelihoods: In a report from 2022, 56 villages with 46,750 residents were noted along these floodplains. About half of these households work in agriculture, while the rest are dependent on daily labour, fishing, and animal husbandry.
·         Agriculture-related significance: The fertile sediment that the river deposits enhances the soil and facilitates agricultural activity. These regions are ideal for growing conventional crops including rice, wheat, and flowers.
·         Addressing Housing Shortages: Historically, because these locations are affordable, many displaced or migrant people have looked for shelter there.
  
The Yamuna River's floodplains face a number of difficulties.
·         Urban Encroachment: Rapid urbanisation and ill-planned development projects have an impact on the floodplains. Examples include the Commonwealth Games Village, the Akshardham Temple, and affluent housing developments.
·         Loss of Floodplain Area: This phenomenon restricts the river's natural flow, increasing the risk of floods. Significant floods were notable events in Delhi in 1978, 1988, and 1995.
·         Inadequate Policy Framework: These locations confront difficulties since the Master Plan doesn't include thorough floodplain zoning regulations.
·         Impact of climate change: Rapid River swelling caused by increased rainfall intensity increases the risk of flooding.
·         River constriction: Construction projects that intrude on a river's space limit its ability to expand and accept water flow, hindering its natural processes. 
·         Contamination Concerns: As the population has grown, sewage infrastructure has not kept up, leading to increased river contamination.  

What measures are to be taken?  
·         Preserve floodplains: Stop encroachments to protect floodplains and keep rivers flowing naturally. Stopping constructions on floodplains, such as the Commonwealth Games Village.
·         Implementation of policies: Include zoning for floodplains in the master plan. The National Floodplains Zoning Policy is only present in four states.
·         Climate-resilient infrastructure: Infrastructure that is climate-resilient should be built to endure torrential downpours.
·         River health: Focus on drain de-silting and river rejuvenation to improve river health.
·         Enhance Drainage Systems: To avoid flooding, improve city drainage.
·         Green Spaces: Create more green areas to let nature absorb water.
·         Objective Standards: The uniformity and efficiency of restoration projects can be improved by using objective criteria, such as the "Basic Structure Doctrine."
·         Community Engagement: Promoting active community involvement generates a sense of ownership and responsibility, assuring the longevity of restoration initiatives.
·         Institutional Oversight: Establishing dependable institutions like the judiciary and pertinent regulatory organisations would help sustain the ideals of floodplain management and restoration.
  
Conclusion
The cleanup efforts throughout the floodplains of the Yamuna demonstrate the many responses to the floods. While the Yamuna Biodiversity Park shows the tenacity of carefully thought-out floodplain restoration, other projects have encountered difficulties that necessitate strategic changes. India can improve its floodplain restoration efforts by learning from past experiences and utilising the ability of these natural ecosystems to reduce flooding, improve water quality, and maintain biodiversity. Effective restoration can guarantee a peaceful coexistence between the river and the surrounding environment, guided by the lessons of both success and misfortune.
 
LTX Mains Question:
 Q. Which aspects of the Yamuna Biodiversity Park make it an effective model for restoring floodplains, and what makes it resilient to flooding events?