‘Stop Converting Forest Into Theme Park,’ Say Dwarka Residents

“We have gone to the DDA, the Forest Department, but there has been no response so far from either of the places.”

The locals formed a human chain under the scorching sun to protect their forest.

(Photo: Shruti Mathur/The Quint)

Video Editor: Vishal Kumar

On, Sunday evening, around 50 residents of Dwarka stepped out to protest against the DDA (Delhi Development Authority).

The DDA have decided to convert Dwarka’s Bharat Vandana Udhyan, a green patch spread over 200 acres, into a theme park and this has angered the residents.

The locals formed a human chain under the scorching sun to raise their voices in protest and protect their forest.

You can see that there is a land under the name of Bharat Vandana Udhyan that is spread over 200 acres. The land is protected under the master plan, but the DDA plans to convert this patch into a theme project. This will turn into a concrete jungle. The wildlife will completely disappear. The biodiversity will also be destroyed.

Diwan Singh, Resident

The plan is to develop the park on the framework of a mini-India, representing all states, and will have cuisines from different states, an aquarium and recreation zones.

The residents are demanding that the land be developed into a biodiversity park or a city forest instead, to help maintain the local ecology.

Concrete work will displace the wildlife. The making of any park consumes a lot of water. A forest, however, is a water conservator – it helps the water level to rise. It’s been really difficult for Dwarka to get water. If we don’t protect the green patch, then the water level will recede. We won’t get any water to drink.

Sushil Kumar, Resident

The residents have approached DDA but they haven’t received any response from them.

We have gone to the DDA, we have gone to the Forest Department, but there has been no response so far from either of the places. We have taken this up with the LG – Delhi Lieutenant Governor (Anil Baijal). We have sent a reminder letter to take action immediately. But we are still awaiting a response.

Selvar Rajan, Resident

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