Heart & soul of Delhi's ‘model’ town: A colony built around 6.5-acre lake

Not every colony in Delhi has a private lake, but Model Town does, its residents proudly point out. Developed by DLF Group in the early 1950s, the north Delhi colony became known for its luxurious bungalows and villas, recalls 82-year-old Dharmendra Pratap, a retired bank employee.

“When I moved here in 1960, there were only a few houses. Although it has grown beautifully over time with multi-storey residences, markets and modern amenities, Naini Lake has remained its soul.”


For generations, the 6.5-acre lake is more than a recreational space; it is a repository of childhood memories. Tucked amid busy lanes, it offers residents a chance to boat on its glimmering waters or take leisurely strolls along its banks. Developed in the early 1960s, the waterbody is a focal point for community gatherings, picnics and recreation.

Juhi Chaudhary, a resident involved in Save Naini Lake campaign, recalls her father used to take her paddle-boating before school. “A quiet morning on the water was my little reward. The lake was clean and blooming with lotuses. During his college days, my father used to play cricket on its dry bed in summer.”

Many echoed her sentiment. “No matter how much the colony develops, as long as the lake remains, Model Town will always feel like home,” says another resident.

Today, as its condition deteriorates and the number of migratory birds visiting it decline, residents hope it will be revived and protected for future generations. “If govt doesn’t take serious action, the lake may die in the coming years,” says Sanjay Gupta, president of Model Town Residents Welfare Association.

The lake may be its soul and identity, but Model Town — one of Delhi’s oldest planned residential colonies — has other positives too, like accessibility, Gupta says. “It has fantastic metro connectivity and was among the first colonies in Delhi to receive extensive coverage with two stations and direct connectivity to ISBT, Gurgaon and south Delhi,” he adds.

Model Town boasts several senior secondary schools, three private hospitals and sporting facilities like Chhatrasal Stadium, developed during the 2010 Commonwealth Games, along with markets that have grown steadily over the years. Its street food is popular too, with people queuing up for chholebhature at its long-running eateries.

The residents say while the colony is well-connected and vibrant, concerns remain over its ageing civic infrastructure and safety, with snatchings, car thefts and burglaries reported frequently. Moreover, conversion of single-storey houses into four-floor structures have impacted drainage systems, leading to frequent overflow, they say, calling for a robust sewer system.