The newly elected Delhi government is setting ambitious goals for environmental sustainability and disaster resilience, with a strong focus on cleaning the Yamuna River, pollution control, and waste management

Cleaning the Yamuna river, pollution control, garbage management, and addressing climate and disaster resilience to ensure sustainable development are among the top priorities of the newly elected Delhi government. However, these ambitious goals can only be achieved with active community participation. Raising awareness and fostering public engagement are crucial to creating a more sustainable and disaster-resilient future. In this context, a Centre for Disaster Risk Management and Environmental Sustainability, known as “Yamuna- Apda evam Jalvayu Parivartan Nyunikaran Adhisthan (YAJNA)” meaning- Yamuna - Institute for Disaster and Climate Change Mitigation, is proposed. This centre will serve as a hub for education, collaboration, and action, setting an example for other states to follow.

Delhi, the national capital of India, faces a complex web of hazards. From earthquakes and floods to human-induced crises such as severe air and water pollution, road accidents, and inefficient waste management, the city’s vulnerabilities are escalating. Rapid urbanisation and a dense population further compound these risks, leading to widespread environmental degradation and public health crises. Despite existing efforts by multiple agencies, a significant gap remains in public engagement, coordination, and proactive action. A dedicated awareness centre like Yajna will bridge this gap by equipping citizens with the knowledge and tools to become active participants in resilience-building.

Disaster management museums cum knowledge centres worldwide have demonstrated their potential to drive awareness and preparedness. The Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum in Japan and the Tsunami Memorial Museum in Thailand have played pivotal roles in educating the public on natural and human-induced hazards and mitigating the risk with better response strategies. In India, the Earthquake Museum in Bhuj, Gujarat, serves as a model for enhancing public understanding of seismic risks. Inspired by these global and national examples, the proposed centre in Delhi will not only focus on disaster risk reduction but also integrate environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and pollution control efforts, with a special emphasis on cleaning the Yamuna River.

Yamuna, the lifeline of Delhi, has been battling severe pollution for decades. Industrial waste, untreated sewage, and rampant encroachments have turned this once-pristine river into a toxic water body. The newly elected government has placed Yamuna’s rejuvenation at the forefront of its agenda, recognising that a clean river is fundamental to public health, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable urban development. However, government initiatives alone cannot restore the Yamuna. Without widespread community participation, even the most well-intentioned policies will fall short. The proposed centre will be crucial in mobilising citizens, educating them about the importance of river conservation, and providing actionable solutions for sustainable water management.

Environmental sustainability and disaster resilience are deeply interconnected. Poor waste management contributes to urban flooding, air pollution exacerbates respiratory diseases, and deforestation heightens vulnerability to climate-induced disasters. The centre will function as a convergence point where experts, policymakers, students, and local communities come together to find innovative and practical solutions. Through interactive exhibitions, hands-on training, and community-driven campaigns, the centre will empower people to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. It will promote waste segregation, composting, and recycling, significantly reducing Delhi’s landfill burden. Additionally, it will advocate for green energy solutions, urban afforestation, and pollution control measures, aligning with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Public engagement will be at the heart of this initiative. Schools, colleges, resident welfare associations, and corporate sectors will be actively involved in awareness campaigns, training sessions, and workshops. The younger generation, in particular, will be encouraged to take ownership of environmental stewardship, ensuring long-term impact. By fostering a culture of responsibility and collective action, the centre will create a ripple effect, inspiring similar initiatives in other cities and states.

Beyond its educational role, the centre will also serve as a research and policy hub, providing scientific insights and data-driven recommendations to strengthen urban resilience. It will facilitate collaboration between various government agencies, research institutions, and civil society organisations to develop integrated strategies for disaster preparedness and environmental sustainability. With real-time monitoring of air and water quality, the centre will enable authorities to take proactive measures in pollution control and disaster risk reduction.

This initiative is not just about creating another institution-it is about transforming Delhi into a model city for resilience and sustainability. By integrating disaster risk reduction with environmental conservation, the centre will facilitate enhancing public safety, improve air and water quality, and promote sustainable urban planning. The direct economic benefits in the form of revenue will be significant as well. Similar to the Bhuj Earthquake Museum, which has become a successful revenue-generating centre, YAJNA is expected to attract students, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals from across the country and beyond. Educational programs, training courses, and consultancy services will generate revenue, ensuring the centre’s long-term viability.

As Delhi embarks on a new chapter under the leadership of the newly elected government, the time to act is now. The commitment to cleaning the Yamuna, controlling pollution, managing waste effectively, and building climate resilience must be translated into concrete actions. This initiative offers a comprehensive and practical roadmap to achieve these goals. By bringing together the government, experts, and citizens, the centre will ensure that resilience and sustainability become embedded in Delhi’s development journey. A resilient Delhi is not just a necessity-it is a responsibility we owe to future generations. 

(The writer is former executive director, National Institute of Disaster Management. Views expressed are personal)