DDA sets 90-day timeline to restore 77 neglected lakes, ponds

New Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has launched a time-bound restoration drive to revive 77 lakes and ponds across the capital following directions from lieutenant governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, amid growing concern over the steady decline of Delhi’s water bodies due to encroachment, sewage inflow and prolonged neglect.The decision followed a review meeting chaired by the LG on Friday, during which DDA officials made a presentation on the rejuvenation, restoration and long-term conservation of water bodies.“The presentation was prepared following directions issued by the LG to the DDA about a week ago. The LG instructed officials to develop a concrete action plan for the long-term conservation of water bodies under the agency’s jurisdiction, emphasising that Delhi’s rapidly deteriorating aquatic assets could no longer be allowed to decline because of encroachment, sewage inflow and years of neglect,” a DDA official said.Officials informed that restoration work on 77 identified water bodies would begin immediately, while other lakes and ponds under DDA control would be taken up in phases. Of these, six are to be revived within 30 days, 48 within 60 days and the remaining 23 — larger and more complex sites — within 90 days.The restoration programme has been planned in two phases. The first will focus on reviving dead and dying water bodies through excavation, dredging and desilting.According to DDA officials, many ponds and lakes in Delhi have lost their water-holding capacity over the years because of silt accumulation, debris dumping and blocked natural drainage channels. Initial work will therefore involve deepening the water bodies, removing sludge and clearing catchment areas to maximise rainwater harvesting during the upcoming monsoon.“The priority is to restore the ecological functionality of these water bodies so they can naturally retain and recharge water again,” an official said.DDA will also restore natural inflow channels and remove encroachments or obstructions that prevent rainwater from reaching lakes and ponds. Officials said scientific surveys and mapping exercises have already been conducted at several sites to assess hydrology and site-specific restoration requirements.Once revival is completed, the project will move into a second phase focused on long-term conservation and public use. This phase will include strengthening embankments to prevent erosion, plantation drives around the water bodies, installation of fencing to curb dumping and encroachment and beautification works to integrate the restored sites with surrounding neighbourhoods.The authority also plans to install sewage treatment plants (STPs) and decentralised sewage treatment plants (DSTPs) at several locations to prevent untreated wastewater from entering lakes and ponds — one of the main causes of degradation of urban water bodies in the capital.During the meeting, the LG described Delhi’s lakes, ponds and other aquatic ecosystems as “invaluable environmental assets” vital for groundwater recharge, ecological balance and climate resilience, and directed officials to adhere to timelines and begin restoration work without delay.