GDA to develop two lakes as tourist centres in Ghaziabad
1 July 2013 10:47 PM GMT
The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) is chalking out a strategy to develop two major lakes — Hasanpur and Arthala — in its area as tourist centres which are shrinking due to encroachment and neglect. The authority has allocated Rs 253 crore for development of these lakes.
‘The lakes are gradually shrinking due to encroachment by neighbouring residents and land sharks. We are conducting initial surveys to develop these lakes as national tourist centres,’ said a senior officer of the authority.
He further added that the authority officers are also studying the development modules of lakes used by various government agencies to finalise
the current development projects.
The top priority is the development of Hasanpur lake which is spread over 100 acres and is located near Masuri on National Highway-24.
‘We have allocated Rs 245 crore for the development of the lake and the project will start very soon,’ said spokesperson of the authority. The lake is presently facing encroachment and is almost completely covered with hyacinth. ‘The lake is home to several indigenous aquatic flora and fauna. It also attracts migratory birds,’ the spokesperson added.
The second lake on the list is Arthala lake located close to Hindon river on the GT Road in Ghaziabad. ‘As the lake is situated in the heart of the city, we will provide boating facility to attract visitors.
More tourist activities will ensure better maintenance of the lake and act as a deterrent against encroachment,’ said a senior officer involved with the project.
The authority has allocated Rs 8 crore for the project.
‘The lakes are gradually shrinking due to encroachment by neighbouring residents and land sharks. We are conducting initial surveys to develop these lakes as national tourist centres,’ said a senior officer of the authority.
He further added that the authority officers are also studying the development modules of lakes used by various government agencies to finalise
the current development projects.
The top priority is the development of Hasanpur lake which is spread over 100 acres and is located near Masuri on National Highway-24.
‘We have allocated Rs 245 crore for the development of the lake and the project will start very soon,’ said spokesperson of the authority. The lake is presently facing encroachment and is almost completely covered with hyacinth. ‘The lake is home to several indigenous aquatic flora and fauna. It also attracts migratory birds,’ the spokesperson added.
The second lake on the list is Arthala lake located close to Hindon river on the GT Road in Ghaziabad. ‘As the lake is situated in the heart of the city, we will provide boating facility to attract visitors.
More tourist activities will ensure better maintenance of the lake and act as a deterrent against encroachment,’ said a senior officer involved with the project.
The authority has allocated Rs 8 crore for the project.
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