NEW DELHI:
Environment Minister Gopal Rai chaired a combined meeting with officials from the DPGS, Wetland Authority of Delhi, Environment Department, and Land Owning Agencies today at the Delhi Secretariat to address the beautification and repair of Delhi’s lakes. The conference was attended by officers from the DPGS, MCD, CPWD, PWD, DDA, DSIIDC, Revenue, and other concerned departments. The Environment Minister said, “It was decided to revive and develop 20 lakes in Delhi in accordance with international standards in the first phase of this project.”
While highlighting the project, Shri Gopal Rai said, “The Kejriwal Government is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Delhi’s lakes. The environment of Delhi is dominated by its lakes. They not only provide water, but they also nourish aquatic life and regulate climate. However, due to the current state of these lakes, it has been decided to revive them. The Wetland Authority of Delhi has finished the mapping of roughly 1,018 lakes out of a total of 1,045 lakes. In addition, UID numbers have been assigned to each of the 1045 lakes. The rest of the lakes will be developed as part of this project in the future.”
He continued, “Delhi will be transformed into a city of lakes as part of this project. The first phase will see the beautification and development of 20 Delhi lakes. Sanjay Lake; Hauz Khas Lake; Bhalswa Lake; Smriti Van (Kondali); Smriti Van (Vasant Kunj); Tikri Khurd Lake; Najafgarh Lake; Welcome Lake; Daryapur Lake; Poth Kalan (Sardar Sarovar Lake); Mungeshpur; Dheerpur; MP Green Area at Sanjay Van; West Vinod Nagar (Mandawali, Fazalpur); Mandawali Village; Park, Lake and Woodland area in Rajouri Garden (Near Tihar Village); Barwala, and Jhatikara Lakes.”
District Grievance Committee constituted
Rai said, “Responding to complaints about lakes is the most important component of lake development and repair. So far, the research has identified encroachment, sewage discharge, and solid waste disposal as important challenges. To address these concerns and promote lake development, a District Grievance Committee has been constituted. They will be in charge of checking and monitoring these lakes on a regular basis. They will also take care of any complaints about the lake.
He concluded, “The Kejriwal Government is dedicated to preserving Delhi’s lakes and making it more tourist-friendly.”