New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, laid the foundation stone for Atal Garden on Saturday, a project set to be developed alongside the Najafgarh drain in the Uttam Nagar Assembly constituency.

This initiative, located in a highly populated region, is designed to boost green spaces, reduce pollution, and offer residents a clean, safe, and well-planned public area equipped with modern amenities, according to an official announcement.

During her speech, the Chief Minister emphasized that Atal Garden will serve as a 'lifeline' for the Uttam Nagar constituency.

The project will feature amenities including an amphitheatre, open gym, food court, Chhath ghats, and seating options for all demographics.

A 12-foot-tall statue of the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be erected in the garden, accompanied by the planting of native tree species to support environmental sustainability, CM Gupta remarked.

The Irrigation and Flood Control Department is overseeing the implementation of this project.

She further noted that densely populated areas require large, well-structured, and multi-functional public spaces where families, children, youth, and senior citizens can enjoy quality time, engage in recreational activities, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

According to her, Atal Garden will include swings for children, an open gym for young adults, seating for the elderly, and a dedicated platform for cultural and social events.

The concept for the park was established during a visit to the Najafgarh drain, which is one of the largest drains feeding into the Yamuna River.

CM Gupta pointed out the significant degradation of the drain due to long-term neglect of water and sewer systems.

She mentioned that the current BJP government has committed to the comprehensive treatment and rejuvenation of the Najafgarh drain.

"During the site visit, we decided to create a large, well-equipped park alongside roads on both sides of the drain, thereby enhancing connectivity between various neighborhoods," said Gupta.

She also added that work has begun on the central verge beneath the Metro corridor from Uttam Nagar to Dwarka Mor.

Emphasizing timely completion, the Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure that the garden exceeds public expectations and is opened to citizens as soon as possible.

She reiterated that the goal of the Delhi government is to serve the public and work for their welfare.

In attendance were BJP Member of Parliament Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Delhi Cabinet Minister Parvesh Singh Verma, MLAs Pawan Sharma, Shyam Sharma, Sandeep Sehrawat, senior officials, public representatives, and numerous local residents.

On the occasion, Delhi Cabinet Minister Parvesh Singh Verma stated that the previous Aam Aadmi Party government had not initiated any significant development in Uttam Nagar, while encroachments proliferated.

Local residents have long sought a well-developed public park, he added.

He affirmed that the current BJP government is actively progressing on this project.

"In the next four months, this area will evolve into a premier recreational hub featuring Chhath ghats, improved water bodies, modern walkways, green spaces, an amphitheatre, sports facilities, an open gym, a food court, and public amenities," he noted.

The Atal Garden project is designed to create a modern and inclusive community space for local residents, CM Gupta stated.

"To enhance green cover, approximately 50 acres will be cultivated with lawns, and over 6,000 saplings of indigenous species including Amaltas, Neem, Siris, Gulmohar, and Mango will be planted," she added.

The project will also involve constructing walking paths, a public stage, public restrooms, and security guard facilities.