DDA to begin restoration of 77 water bodies across Delhi

The Delhi Development Authority DDA will immediately begin work on rejuvenating 77 water bodies across the national capital, with six targeted for restoration within the next 30 days, officials said on Saturday. In the first phase, rejuvenation of dead and dying water bodies will be undertaken through dredging, excavation, and desilting, along with clearance of catchment areas to ensure maximum rainwater harvesting, DDA officials said.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will immediately begin work on rejuvenating 77 water bodies across the national capital, with six targeted for restoration within the next 30 days, officials said on Saturday. According to DDA officials, 48 small water bodies are slated for restoration within 60 days, while the 23 large water bodies are expected to be completed within 90 days as part of a phased revival plan. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu reviewed the restoration plan during a meeting with DDA officials, where he directed that work begin on the ground without delay and timelines be adhered to strictly, officials said. The exercise aims to revive lakes, ponds, and other water bodies that have deteriorated over the years due to encroachment and lack of maintenance, they said. ''In the first phase, rejuvenation of dead and dying water bodies will be undertaken through dredging, excavation, and desilting, along with clearance of catchment areas to ensure maximum rainwater harvesting,'' DDA officials said. Once revived, the second phase will focus on strengthening embankments, plantation work, installation of sewage treatment and decentralised sewage treatment plants, fencing, and beautification measures, they said. Officials said the first batch of six water bodies identified for restoration mainly require excavation, cleaning, and desilting works, while the remaining projects involve varying scales of restoration activity. Highlighting the ecological significance of the initiative, officials said Delhi's lakes and ponds play an important role in groundwater recharge, maintaining ecological balance and improving the city's resilience against extreme weather conditions.