New Delhi: A houseboat in Delhi like those on the Dal Lake in Kashmir? Yes, Delhiites can soon experience this. Delhi Development Authority has confirmed plans for a convention centre at the Baansera park in Sarai Kale Khan structured like a houseboat.At 8.8metres in height, the boat will feature multiple levels with ground, lower, middle and upper decks. Different varieties of wood will be used, including deodar at the base and the superstructure of cedar with walnut wood carvings. Ceilings and interior wall panels will involve chinar wood.“This huge boat, to be made by master craftsmen, will be placed near the eating house at Baansera,” said a DDA official. “Right from the railing, columns, Mehrab arches and exterior wall panels, everything will be intricately carved in Persian style. The interior wall panels will be made of chinar wood and the windows of cedar wood will have carved sash windows in Persian style with glass panes.” The official added that lieutenant governor VK Saxena had been pushing for development of the Yamuna floodplain as a public space for citizens.The wood to be used will be seasoned to avoid warping and all joints will be sealed with natural resin or other appropriate all-weather sealants to ensure longevity and strength of the structure. For the base of the houseboat, the flooring will be of engineered wood and the walls of fire-resistant boards. The backsplash will be made with ceramic tiles and the doors of engineered wood with appropriate fire resistance ratings.The facility will be equipped with amenities such as a meeting space for 15 individuals, a reception area with a waiting lounge, dining facilities with a pantry, gallery space and interiors to match with Kashmiri wood-carved jail, railings and other features. The houseboat will be permanently fixed to the ground rather than float on water. DDA is expecting the completion of work in 3-4 months from the date of allocation of the project and expects the structure to have a life of 50 years.In Nov 2024, DDA opened the coffee shop, Cafe Bamboo Oasis. Officials earlier stated that the fully air-conditioned cafe, located in the middle of a lush green area, is perfect for the recreation of visitors to the riverine location. DDA transformed the wasteland into a specialised bamboo park, Baansera, in six months, planting 30,000 bamboo plants of 15 different varieties. A children’s playing area, musical fountains and waterbodies were later additions.
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