Examining the impact of the Asita Project on the Yamuna floodplain in New Delhi

Students enrolled in the M.A. Development programme at Azim Premji University (APU), Bangalore, undertake a field project consisting of research, action-project or intervention in areas such as rural livelihoods, disability rights, agriculture and land rights, citizenship and identity, gender and sexuality. The project entails 30 weeks of research, fieldwork and analysis at the end of which the students present their findings and observations through posters and presentations.

The poster by Tripti Singh examines the impact of the Asita Project on the community and Yamuna floodplain in New Delhi. The study employs a mix of 40 semi-structured interviews , site analysis and observation. According to the study, the Asita project led to the forced eviction of approximately 1,500 families, jeopardising living conditions and traditional livelihoods for the community, as well as disrupting education and increasing the hardships of women. The developmental project also led to floodplain degradation, groundwater exploitation, and increased pollution levels. To ensure a sustainable future, the study recommends prohibiting the construction of permanent structures on floodplains, involving local communities in decision-making processes, and encouraging collaborative policy-making.