Yamuna Yuvak Kendra Demands Rehabilitation of 310 Displaced Families and Reconstruction of Historic Akhara
SUNIL NEGI
New Delhi: Yamuna Yuvak Kendra has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, seeking the immediate rehabilitation of approximately 310 families displaced by the recent demolition drive along the Yamuna riverbanks, as well as the reconstruction of the historic Yamuna Yuvak Kendra Akhara and Gymnasium.
In the memorandum, Vijay Shankar Chaturvedi, General Secretary of Yamuna Yuvak Kendra and Editor of Rashtra Times, stated that hundreds of families who had been residing along the Yamuna ghats for decades were removed without adequate alternative housing or rehabilitation arrangements. As a result, they are now facing severe challenges related to shelter, livelihood, education, and access to basic amenities. He emphasized that many of the affected families belong to economically weaker sections, making the situation particularly distressing.
The memorandum noted that while development and environmental conservation efforts are important, they must be implemented in a manner that safeguards the rights, dignity, and livelihoods of affected citizens. Proper rehabilitation measures should be ensured before or alongside any eviction action.
Yamuna Yuvak Kendra also highlighted that during the demolition drive, the more than 80-year-old historic Yamuna Yuvak Kendra Akhara and Gymnasium, located at Ghat No. 2, was demolished. The Akhara was established by the world-renowned dand-baithak champion Guru Dharampal Yadav. For decades, it served as a major center for wrestling, swimming, physical fitness, and youth training, producing numerous athletes who brought recognition to the region and the nation through various competitions.
Mr. Chaturvedi stated that Yamuna Yuvak Kendra is not merely a sports institution but an important symbol of the social, cultural, and sporting heritage of the Yamuna region. Its demolition has caused deep disappointment among local residents, athletes, and sports enthusiasts.
Key Demands Raised in the Memorandum:
Immediate rehabilitation and resettlement of the 310 displaced families.
Provision of alternative housing in Yamuna Bazar and nearby areas.
Temporary relief measures, including access to drinking water, healthcare, sanitation, and educational facilities for children.
Reconstruction of the historic Yamuna Yuvak Kendra Akhara and Gymnasium.
Formation of a committee to assess the needs of displaced families and ensure a transparent rehabilitation process.
Ajay Yadav “Mannu”, Khalifa and Director of Yamuna Yuvak Kendra, said that rendering long-settled families homeless without proper rehabilitation is unfortunate and inhumane. He urged the Central Government and concerned authorities to take immediate and concrete steps to rehabilitate the affected families and rebuild the historic Akhara.
Yamuna Yuvak Kendra expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and the Delhi Government will act with sensitivity and urgency to ensure justice, security, and a dignified life for the displaced families.
