Okhla

Okhla is a neighborhood in the South Delhi district of Delhi, India. It lies on the eastern bank of the Yamuna River and is bordered by Jamia Nagar to the south, Kalkaji to the west, and Jasola to the north. The area is named after the Okhla Barrage, a structure on the Yamuna that helps regulate river flow and water supply to parts of Delhi.

Okhla comprises residential sectors, markets, and one of Delhi’s oldest planned industrial zones, the Okhla Industrial Area. This zone (Phase I and Phase II, with additional developments nearby) houses a mix of small- and medium-sized manufacturing units, warehouses, offices, and service enterprises. The industrial area has historically been a key contributor to Delhi’s light industry sector and continues to shape the area’s economy and urban character.

A notable feature of Okhla is the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, a protected wetland along the Yamuna that provides habitat for migratory and resident bird species. The sanctuary is a popular urban green space for recreation and wildlife observation and is accessed from nearby Kalindi Kunj and road networks.

Education and institutions: Jamia Millia Islamia University is located in the adjacent Jamia Nagar area, contributing to the educational and cultural profile of Okhla and its surroundings.

Transport: The area is connected by road networks including Mathura Road (National Highway 2) and is served by the Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line, which includes a station at Okhla Bird Sanctuary. This provides rapid access to central Delhi and other parts of the city, complemented by local buses and other urban transit options.