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A Tale of Two Rivers: Yamuna and Sabarmati

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Aerial view of Yamuna and Sabarmati was taken with the help of Google Earth.
Aerial view of Yamuna and Sabarmati

India considers its rivers sacred. In Hinduism some are even personified as goddesses. Yet, paradoxically, these revered rivers often bear the brunt of abuse and pollution. Vital to the rise of civilizations, rivers are lifelines without which cities cannot thrive.

In this documentary we explore the tale of two rivers, Sabarmati and Yamuna both are lifelines of their respective cities, yet they stand as stark opposites. Life resides on the banks of both the rivers but people of Yamuna breathe poison while Sabarmati riverfront Ahmedabad provides a haven for leisure, economic activities, and community life.

The Sabarmati Riverfront showcases a governance model that marries urbanization with environmental preservation. Often mistaken as the capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad stands as a stellar example of city planning and sustainable development. For decades, the Sabarmati was a neglected and polluted river. However, the Gujarat government decided to turn the tide.

It decided to use the 100 crore amount from the River conservation program to clean the Sabarmati. It installed pumping stations and sewage treatment plant. This gave the people of Gujarat hope. Soon the Sabarmati riverfront development project was passed and a special purpose vehicle called the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation limited. The river was on its way for a makeover. Soon strategies for flood protection, bank protection, and river training were formulated. On both the banks of the river diaphragm walls were built to sustain floods and the project can sustain levels of 4.75 lac cusecs without spillage into the city.

In stark contrast, the Yamuna, personified as the goddess Yami, remains murky, toxic, and heavily polluted. It supplies 70% of Delhi’s water, yet the 22-kilometer urban stretch between the Wazirabad Barrage and Okhla Barrage—just 2% of its total length—accounts for nearly 80% of the river’s pollution. Every winter, the Yamuna is blanketed in toxic froth, mockingly referred to as the “famous bubble bath” provided by the Delhi government.

Crores of rupees have been invested in cleaning the Yamuna, involving Japan international banks, various plans, and strategies, yet the efforts appear to yield no significant results. The Government of Japan provided loan assistance for implementation of YAP in December-1990. YAP was formally launched in 1993, now called as YAP phase I. The total cost of YAP I along with the additional package was INR 7.32 billion between 1993 and 2003. Subsequently, under YAP II, INR 6.24 billion was allocated between 2004 and 2011, but the project failed to meet its deadlines. In 2019, YAP III was launched as part of the Namami Gange project. Nearly INR 6,856.91 crore was spent over five years, from 2017-21.  In 2023, the Delhi government allocated an additional INR1,028 crore for cleaning the Yamuna, bringing the total to INR 3,139 crore. The Delhi government had received a fund of INR 618.50 crore under the Yamuna Action Plan III from the Central government and had spent around INR 687 crore for cleaning the Yamuna. Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation in December 2018 released a sum of INR 2,361.08 crore to the Delhi government for 11 projects for cleaning the Yamuna.

The mathematics of the Sabarmati Riverfront development project is fairly simple and it isn’t merely about the beautification of the river. It is planned to sustain business, economics, people-centric activities, and further development of the city. The project was planned to self-finance. Its success lies behind the transparent approach of the government and SRFDL. Revenue of around INR 450 crore was generated from the sale of reclaimed land. This covered the initial 5 yea₹ of projected construction cost of INR 361 crore. The initial phase, which opened in August 2012, had a cost of INR 1,400 crore (US$160 million) as of November 2019. The second phase, covering 5.5 km on both banks, was approved in 2020 with an initial budget of INR 850 crore. The plan is to extend this to the capital Gandhinagar—26.65 km in multiple phases over the next 15 years.

Gujarat Model made Narendra Modi the 14th Prime minister of India and he has been the prime minister for three consecutive terms. It is a hard to digest pill for many politicians. It truly separates politics from governance and has made Gujarat one of most liveable cities of India. Sabarmati Riverfront development project is an important and beautiful part of the same model. This project is unique because it truly socialized a river, a historic river, which through decades of neglect and decay, had become a pathetic caricature of a river. It is high time that Delhi government learns the difference between politics and governance and utilise money being pumped into the Yamuna river.

In contrast, the Sabarmati Riverfront Project was strategically planned to be self-financing. Revenue of INR 450 crore was generated from the sale of reclaimed land, covering the initial five years of construction costs (INR 361 crore). The first phase, inaugurated in 2012, cost INR 1,400 crore. The second phase, approved in 2020, had an initial budget of INR 850 crore and aimed to extend the riverfront by 5.5 km. Future plans include extending the project to Gandhinagar—26.65 km in multiple phases over 15 years.

The Sabarmati Riverfront epitomizes the Gujarat Model of governance, which separates politics from administration. This model catapulted Narendra Modi to the position of India’s 14th Prime Minister, a role he has held for three consecutive terms. While critics may find this difficult to accept, the Gujarat Model’s focus on transparent governance and sustainable urban development has made Ahmedabad one of India’s most livable cities.

The Sabarmati Riverfront Project exemplifies how a neglected river was revitalized into a thriving social and economic hub. It is high time the Delhi government draws lessons from this approach, moving beyond political rhetoric to effectively utilize the resources allocated for the Yamuna. Clean rivers are not just a matter of infrastructure but a reflection of governance that prioritizes people over politics.

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Exploring India with Suhani Mardia by Insight Media

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In the debut episode of Exploring India with Suhani Mardia, Insight Media takes you on a vibrant and eye-opening journey into the lush landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Assam — a state nestled in the lap of Northeast India. Known for its biodiversity, unique traditions, and historical significance, Assam is also home to a treasure trove of Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products and indigenous crafts that rarely get the spotlight they deserve.

This episode begins with a deep dive into Assam’s culinary and agricultural heritage. From the nutty and soft texture of Boka Chaul (soft rice) to the tangy punch of Kaji Nemu (Assamese lemon), the region’s palette is as diverse as its people. We also explore Judima Wine, a traditional rice wine from the Dimasa tribe, Joha Rice, known for its fragrant aroma, and even Black Rice of neighboring Manipur, a powerhouse of nutrition. These GI-tagged items are not just ingredients; they are cultural symbols, reflecting centuries of farming innovation and culinary evolution.

To better understand these marvels, Suhani sits down with professors from Assam Skill University, who shed light on the science, sustainability, and socio-economic importance of these products. Their insights help bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern agricultural practices, underscoring why these regional specialties deserve global recognition.

From taste to texture to technique — the journey then takes us to Sarthebari, a village renowned for its ancient Bell Metal Craft. Here, we enter the workshop of Mr. Haridas Das, a recipient of the prestigious Assam Gaurav Award, who opens up about the struggles and survival of this age-old art. Watching the molten metal take shape into traditional utensils and decor is nothing short of mesmerizing — a living heritage in action.

The adventure continues as Suhani and the crew travel through the breathtaking Kaziranga wilderness, home to the famous one-horned rhinoceros, soaking in the tranquil beauty of Assam’s vast grasslands, wetlands, and dense forests.

In Jorhat, the scientific and economic heartbeat of the region, the team visits CSIR-NEIST (North East Institute of Science and Technology). Led by Dr. Virendra Tiwari, the institute is playing a key role in the Floriculture and Aroma Missions, both initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These missions are not just about flowers and fragrances — they are about economic empowerment, self-reliance, and positioning Assam on the global map of scientific agriculture and innovation.

This episode is more than just a travelogue — it’s a celebration of Assam’s hidden potential, the synergy of tradition and technology, and the government’s focused push through CSIR and the Ministry of DoNER to uplift Northeast India.

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Murshidabad: Poison in the drinking water, Fire in the Homes – The Hidden Atrocities of the Waqf Violence

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As India reels from the aftershocks of the Waqf Act-triggered violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, Part 2 of our ground investigation uncovers a darker, more deliberate phase of the communal unrest.

What began as angry protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act soon turned into coordinated anti-Hindu violence, with disturbing new tactics: poisoned drinking water, homes torched with women and children inside, and crude bombs hurled by frenzied mobs. Survivors, intelligence inputs, and independent observers now point toward pre-planned ethnic targeting — not spontaneous rage.

The Murder That Sparked a Storm

The spiral into terror was cemented by a gruesome killing — the brutal murder of 55-year-old Harigobindo Das and his son Chandan Das, both respected Hindu businessmen in the Beldanga area.

Eyewitnesses allege that a mob, inflamed by radical slogans, dragged the duo out during a “peaceful protest” and hacked them to death. According to reports, the prime accused is linked to Islamist groups operating under the guise of anti-Waqf law protests.
India Today has cited intelligence officials connecting this network to Bangladesh-based Islamist outfits, raising alarms about the porous border and radicalisation in Bengal’s border districts.

Bombs in Broad Daylight

As tension spread, crude bombs were hurled at police vehicles and Hindu homes. One victim told us about bombs being spotted often nowadays, which are often used in Bengal’s political violence. One police constable, on condition of anonymity, said:

“There were 3 bombs in the field. They found it today”

The Name That Keeps Coming Up: Mehboob Alam

Once again, the name of TMC councillor Mehboob Alam has surfaced. Locals allege that Alam was not only complicit but actively instigated the second wave of violence.

“On Saturday, the attack unfolded from the councillor’s place – Mehboob Alam, TMC Councillor”

Radicalisation and Illegal Migrants: The Unspoken Threat

Reports from Organiser and News18 now confirm that illegal Bangladeshi migrants played a major role in swelling the mobs. Murshidabad, which has a long-standing infiltration issue, has become a hotbed of radicalisation and parallel power structures that challenge Indian sovereignty.

Weapons caches were also recovered from abandoned madrasa premises — hinting at premeditated violence, not spontaneous outrage.

Women Targeted: NCW Raises Alarm

The National Commission for Women has issued a scathing report on the violence, stating that Hindu women were deliberately attacked and intimidated. Many faced threats of rape and molestation, with several families alleging that local police refused to even register complaints.

Central Forces Deployed, But For How Long?

In response to public outcry and a High Court directive, 17 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed. While this has stabilised the situation temporarily, local residents fear the violence will return once the spotlight fades.

Conclusion: The Bengal Borderline Has Been Breached

Murshidabad is not just a district in Bengal anymore — it’s a communal time bomb, one ticking at the intersection of vote-bank politics, demographic manipulation, Islamist radicalisation, and state complicity.

The Waqf Act may have sparked the fire, but what followed was an organised attempt to erase dissenting communities, rewrite territorial control, and instill fear through methods unseen in recent Indian memory.

“Watch our exclusive video report on the second phase of Murshidabad violence — including survivor interviews, site footage, and a breakdown of how the state looked away when people were marked for death.”

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Protecting Our Borders: A Credit is Due

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In the blistering summer of 1980s Punjab, where each sunrise threatened another ambush and every grain of soil seemed soaked in unrest, a silent battle unfolded—not with rifles, but with resolve. A battle not of soldiers alone, but of engineers, villagers, and bureaucrats who dared to challenge both nature and the enemy. This is the story of the Punjab Border Fencing Project—India’s unsung feat of steel and spirit that turned a fragile line into an unshakable wall. Watch it here.

The Blood-Stained Line

India stood on the brink of freedom, and yet, the birth of a new nation was marred by the violence of partition. A man named Cyril Radcliffe, unfamiliar with India’s land and soul, drew a line that would later bleed for decades. That line, now called the Punjab border, would soon become the epicenter of militant infiltration and ideological war.

Post-Independence, Pakistan’s strategic defeat in conventional wars gave rise to a new, more insidious approach—supporting militancy and separatist movements across the border. Smuggled weapons, narcotics, and ideological propaganda flowed freely through the porous frontier, transforming Punjab into a battleground cloaked in smoke and sorrow.

By the early 1980s, the golden fields of Punjab had turned red. Bus massacres, temple takeovers, and the infamous Operation Blue Star left scars not only on the state but on the nation’s conscience.

The Suicide Mission No One Wanted

Against this backdrop of terror and tension, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) was tasked with an almost suicidal mission—fortify the Indo-Pak border.

There were no satellites, no drones, no high-tech surveying equipment. What they had was sheer grit. Working from a make-shift office that lacked even chairs and desks, engineers under the leadership of BB Makkar carried forward an operation that had no blueprint, no precedent, and absolutely no room for error.

They didn’t just build fences; they built hope.

A Wall of Sacrifice

Villagers donated their lands willingly, fully aware they were living in the crosshairs of militants. CPWD officials worked around the clock—often staying in bomb-proof bunkers, subsisting on bare minimums. Every action had to be discreet; even casual conversations with drivers could risk lives if overheard by the wrong ears.

But what perhaps speaks volumes of the project’s success is its frugality. This grand national shield was built at a cost of merely 1,700 Rupees per meter—a marvel in both execution and economy.

Yet, tragedy was never far. In 1988, devastating floods destroyed the first phase of fencing. Critics pounced. Accusations of corruption and mismanagement flooded the headlines. But those who had bled in the sun to raise that fence stood undeterred. CPWD treated the setback not as a defeat, but as a challenge—to build again, this time stronger.

A Promise Kept in Silence

The mission never received headlines. There was no parade for the engineers, no medals for the villagers, no historic speeches in their honor. Yet the fence stood, unwavering. It became more than metal and barbed wire; it became a promise—that India’s borders may be threatened, but they will never be breached.

The fencing slowed infiltration. It throttled arms smuggling. And most importantly, it forced the enemy to rethink its strategy.

In the heart of this narrative stood leaders who rose above politics—like Atal Bihari Vajpayee—who, beyond all party lines, supported what was right for the country. His behind-the-scenes guidance was a crucial pillar in ensuring the project did not collapse under bureaucratic weight or political backlash.

The Unacknowledged Patriots

Today, we speak of a secure Punjab. Of a border that stands strong. Of a nation that sleeps safer. But we seldom remember the ones who built that strength, inch by inch, under the shadow of sniper rifles and insurgent threats.

This fence was not just steel—it was sweat, soul, and sacrifice.

It is time we remember the unnamed engineers, the tireless laborers, the fearless villagers, and the visionary leaders who made it happen. Their story isn’t just history—it’s a reminder. That sometimes, the greatest battles are fought not with weapons, but with willpower.

And perhaps, as we walk along the secure borderlines of our nation today, we owe them not just a salute—but our eternal gratitude.

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