New Delhi is all set to add a touch of Kashmir’s charm to its urban landscape. In a unique initiative, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is planning to install a Kashmiri-style houseboat at Baansera Park, offering residents and tourists a “Mini Dal Lake” experience right in the heart of the capital.
The project, estimated at around Rs 4 crore, aims to transform Baansera Park—already a popular eco-tourism destination—into a premium leisure and cultural hub along the Yamuna floodplain.
A Houseboat That Doesn’t Float — But Fascinates
Unlike traditional houseboats that float on water, this one will be permanently fixed to the ground near the park’s eatery area. However, its design will closely resemble the iconic houseboats of Kashmir, complete with intricate Persian-style wooden carvings and artistic detailing.
The houseboat will be around 60 feet long and built to last nearly 50 years, making it a long-term attraction rather than a temporary installation.
What Will the Houseboat Offer?
According to officials, the structure will include:
●A stylish multi-purpose hall
●A glazed meeting space for around 15 people
●Lobby and pantry
●Storage areas and deck
●Modern toilet facilities
●Staircase access from both sides
This space is expected to be used for small cultural events, meetings, private gatherings, and tourism activities, adding a premium experiential element to Delhi’s public spaces.
Part of a Bigger Yamuna Revival Vision
The houseboat project is part of the DDA’s larger plan to rejuvenate the Yamuna floodplain stretch between Nizamuddin Bridge and DND Flyway. Over the past few years, this area has seen the development of Baansera Park as a bamboo-themed ecological park.
Already, visitors can enjoy attractions like:
●Café Bamboo Oasis
●A tethered hot-air balloon ride
●Walking trails and green zones
The addition of a Kashmiri-style houseboat is expected to further boost tourism and redefine how Delhiites engage with riverfront spaces.
A Blend of Nature, Culture and Urban Leisure
Urban planners say this initiative reflects a growing trend of blending heritage aesthetics with modern city life. Bringing a slice of Kashmir to Delhi not only enhances the visual appeal but also promotes cultural integration through architecture and design.
At a time when cities are racing to create meaningful public spaces, Baansera Park’s houseboat could emerge as a symbol of creative urban transformation.
What Lies Ahead?
Once approved and completed, the project could become one of Delhi’s most Instagram-worthy destinations and a major draw for both locals and tourists. If successful, similar concepts may be replicated in other parts of the city.
With this move, Delhi is not just building another structure—it is creating an experience.
