Delhi to soon become 'City of Lakes'

New Delhi: The many lakes of Delhi which need reviving have caught the eye of the Delhi Government. It is now making efforts to revive and convert these lakes into attractive tourist destinations. On Thursday, September 9, 2022, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia inspected the Sannoth lake which is being revived in Bawana. He also personally reviewed the works of various units ongoing in the project. The Deputy Chief Minister gave suggestions on numerous aspects to the officials of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD), which is part of the lake rejuvenation project being run by the Delhi government.

The Deputy Chief Minister said, “Delhi government is working on a war footing to recharge and beautify the lakes of Delhi and convert them into tourist destinations. In view of the same, beautification of Sannoth lake in Bawana, spread over 6 acres, is currently under process. The lake will be given a new look and will have various recreational facilities for the families amidst nature.” He also said that the Kejriwal government is renovating 50 such lakes of Delhi, which have lost their identity or have dried up. This will not only recharge the groundwater in the capital but will also eliminate the issue of water scarcity. "

While tweeting about the rejuvenation of lakes across Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, “After becoming “city of tirangas”, Delhi is set to become “city of lakes”. Soon, we will have so many beautiful lakes across Delhi. They will act as refreshing spots for local people and tourist spots for outsiders.”

Manish Sisodia directed the officers to complete the work in a stipulated time by focusing on the beautification of the lake and ensuring adherence to quality standards. He also instructed the officials to make artifacts related to education for the children on the boundary wall of the lake and also to prepare the project to recharge maximum underground water with cost-effective methods.

Sannoth Lake, spread over 6 acres, will become a new tourist spot

Spread over 6 acres, Sannoth Lake is located in Sannoth village of Bawana. The Delhi Government is reviving this lake with the use of modern technology. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that the Delhi government will convert Sannoth Lake into a tourist spot. The recycled water from the 1 MLD natural Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in the Ghogha drain will be used to revive the lake. The natural Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Ghoga Drain is based on the wetland system and treats dirty water without electricity. Instructions have been given to the department to increase the capacity of this STP soon so that the lake remains full throughout the year. It will also ensure that maximum underground water recharge is done. After the work of this project is completed, it will be open to tourists.

The revival of the Sannoth lake will help in recharging groundwater

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that to achieve the goal of beautifying Sannoth Lake, we are also taking the help of experts. The lake is being redeveloped in such a way that it becomes a center of attraction for the people and tourists. The lake will have facilities like a playground for children, a picnic garden, a walkway, Chhath Puja Ghat, and a gym for the general public. The Delhi government is also planting various types of trees like Neem, Semal, Champa, and Babool around Sannoth Lake. He said that Sannoth Lake is being operated by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department of the Delhi Government. The formation of the lake will not only help in recharging the groundwater but will also create an 'ecosystem' in the region. Even before this, the Delhi government has revived many lakes and the creation of Sannoth Lake will give further impetus to this project.

Sannoth Lake will become a habitat for birds and animals

Manish Sisodia said that Sannoth Lake would be a better place for picnic spots, sightseeing, and sports, besides morning and evening walks. The lake will also serve as a sink for carbon storage. It will be home to many species of plants, birds, and animals.

Along with lowering the temperature during the hottest part of the summer, this revival of the lake will bridge the water demand and supply gap for the city's expanding population. It will be a major relief for the local people.

Under this project of making Delhi a 'City of Lakes', 250 reservoirs and 23 lakes are being revived by the government in the first phase. It aims at preventing urban flooding and creating various reservoirs to avoid blocked drains. The Delhi government is rejuvenating the lakes using the 'Sustainable Model'. Indigenous plants are being planted around the lakes to rejuvenate the ecosystem. Along with this, continuous efforts are being made to give a beautiful look to all the water bodies.