DJB approves Rs 376 crore for rejuvenation of 159 lakes
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Jal Board headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday passed Rs 376 crore budget for the rejuvenation of 159 lakes. The board has also approved the proposal of creating two mega lakes at Niothi STP and at Rohini STP. To make these two lakes the DJB has approved Rs 77 crore.
"With the approval of Nilothi and Rohini mega lakes, the total number of lakes to be created in Delhi goes up to five. Dwarka and Najafgarh are already approved and Timarpur will be approved soon," said an official.
Cumulative Lake area will be spread across over 350 acres with water potential to hold 1,581 million litres or 135 million gallons. Water-bodies will be designed scientifically to recharge groundwater to the maximum extent possible. Apart from rainwater, treated water from STPs will be polished using natural wetlands and other methods to maintain the water levels in the water-body throughout the year. "The step will improve depleting groundwater levels of Delhi apart from making Delhi sustainable for water supply. Excess water from the ground will be taken out to augment Delhi water supply wherever required," said an official.
In addition to the lakes being created and rejuvenated by the Delhi Jal Board, 29 lakes are being rejuvenated by the Irrigation Flood Department. This is being done in line with the announcement made by the Chief Minister of rejuvenating 200 water bodies in Delhi. "Landscaping, public areas and open spaces would be created around the mega lakes and other big lakes. Maintenance of the lakes is also a part of the project to keep them well. The consultants for the project are NEERI, IIT Delhi and WAPCOS," an official said.
He added that different models would be used for different lakes depending on the condition in the area. Some would have treated sewage water of the local area, those in the dry areas will be revived through nearby STPs. The total cost for the rejuvenation of 159 lakes is Rs 376 crore, while Rs 53.85 crore is the amount for 32 acres Rohini mega lake and Rs 23.5 crore for 25 acres Nilothi mega lake.
