The posh Model Town’s area Naini lake is all set for a makeover. The Delhi Government’s Tourism Department and North Delhi Municipal Corporation entered into memorandum of understanding to rejuvenate and revive the dead river. The Tourism Department came out with a detailed plan after a host of residents, who raised concerns over the redevelopment of the river.

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra and North Delhi Mayor Ravinder Gupta on Thursday agreed upon to enter a memorandum of understanding for redevelopment and beautification of Naini lake at Model Town-1.

Kapil Mishra said the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) will take over Naini lake from North Delhi Municipal Corporation for rejuvenation and beautification of the lake. He also said that the Delhi Government would redevelop the Naini lake to next level which would be an attractive destination for tourism point of view.

“The physical possession of Naini lake which is in an area of 1 acre approximately surrounded by residential area and is under the jurisdiction of the North MCD and the civic agency had leased out the water body to the tourism department, which operates a boating facility on the spot. However, the lease has expired now. The lake has become a breeding spot for mosquitoes and it becomes difficult to go near the lake during summers as it smells of dead fish when the water level reduces.

Gupta also added that it is not a transfer of land but granting licence for boating and supporting activities at Naini lake on revenue sharing basis at 12.5 per cent between North Delhi Municipal Corporation and DTTDC ltd as per terms and conditions agreed upon. This is unique move to improve the lake in natural manner for the sake of environment improvement. This would certainly be an attractive tourism destination.

In an earlier meeting with the North Corporation Mayor, the residents of Model Town had said the water body should be developed in an eco-friendly manner instead of artificial beautification of the lake. Residents had demanded that heavy fine would be imposed on people who throw garbage in the lake.

“The lake, which was once a scenic spot has now been converted into a no-go place. It has become a fish graveyard. Above all, the lake is ecologically dead. There is a presence of anti-social elements also,” the residents had claimed.

The Mayor said a comprehensive plan to revive lake were being chalked out and was being discussed with the State Government and had assured that making the dead lake come alive will only be a matter of time. “The lease, which has expired, will also been renewed soon. Our priority is to revive the lake and then make it a tourist spot which would also be done in an eco-friendly manner,” said the Mayor.