New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of the Munak Canal and the construction of grand Chhath ghats, launching a major urban renewal and cultural initiative in north-west Delhi. After years of neglect and unhygienic conditions, the canal is set to be transformed into a clean, vibrant and faith-oriented public space in time for the next Chhath Puja.
Describing the project as a meaningful gift for lakhs of devotees from Purvanchal, the Chief Minister said the entire stretch will be comprehensively upgraded to provide a safe, hygienic and aesthetically developed environment for worship. She said devotees will soon be able to offer arghya to the Sun God in dignified surroundings, replacing the unsanitary conditions that had prevailed for years. The area is also expected to evolve into a major centre for religious, cultural and community activities.
The Chief Minister said the Munak Canal, which has remained in a dilapidated state for decades, will undergo thorough cleaning and beautification and will be equipped with dedicated Chhath ghats. Once regarded as a symbol of neglect, the canal will now be developed as a focal point of faith and culture. The project is expected to benefit residents of Shalimar Bagh, Pitampura, Keshavpuram, Netaji Subhash Place, Punjabi Bagh and Kohat Enclave, and is likely to attract over 30,000 visitors daily for recreation and community activities once completed.
As part of the redevelopment, a new road will be built along the canal and the Singalpur Bridge will be widened to improve connectivity. These measures, she said, will transform the long-neglected stretch into an attractive public space with modern civic facilities while also easing traffic congestion in nearby areas.
Announcing a major infrastructure initiative, Rekha Gupta said the Delhi Government will construct an elevated road over the Munak Canal at an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crores, linking Inderlok Metro Station with UER-2. The project will allow commuters travelling towards Rohini and Outer Delhi to bypass congested internal roads, ensuring smoother and faster travel. She said the initiative marks a historic step towards the holistic development of the entire region, going well beyond canal rejuvenation.
Under the project, sludge and waste will be cleared from the canal and systems installed to ensure a continuous flow of clean water. Modern Chhath ghats with concrete steps will be developed on both sides, along with landscaped parks, green belts and plantations to create a pleasant space for worship and community activities. Service roads will be built along both banks with paved carriageways, interlocking tiles and solar lighting. Pedestrian footpaths, wheel guards, and improved lighting will enhance safety, mobility and overall security in the area. A new double-lane bridge using modern steel and concrete technology will be constructed near the Singalpur Bridge to ease long-standing traffic congestion between Pitampura and Shalimar Bagh and improve access to the Outer Ring Road.
