Faridaba’s popular but parched Badkhal lake may soon be back to life with an ambitious plan for its revival chalked out by Haryana Government’s Irrigation Department.
The department is working out the modalities for bringing water to the lake from the Agra Canal. A natural lake situated in Badkhal village near Faridabad just about 32 kilometres from Delhi, the lake once was a picnickers’ delight with its picturesque surroundings, dried up in due course due to lack of water.
Situated in the backdrop of hills of the Aravalli Range, the lake witnessed boating and other tourist activities. Migratory birds too paid a visit to the lake with a man-made embankment.
But low rainfall and mining in neighbouring areas, blocked the flow of water, leaving the lake dried. Those frequenting the place remember that the lake dried up almost completely by May 2009, leaving only a grassy terrain.
Ask the authorities concerned in the irrigation department, and they say the lake is expected to regain its lost glory. Once the plans are in place, water from Agra Canal will ensure that the lake remains hydrated throughout the year.
Sources in the Irrigation department say that only a few kilometers pipeline is required to be laid to provide perpetual water flow to the lake. If the land is arranged for laying the pipes to bring water to the lake it will be a matter of few months to see the lake brimming with water again.
The cost of doing this is not going to be very high. Sources in the department say that if government undertakes this work on priority basis, the land for laying of pipes can be sought from the land owners free of cost for the sake of public welfare as the pipe line would be placed a few feet deep under the ground so it will not harm their agricultural prospects in any way.
And if it is done, the cost for laying pipes would be only a few lacs. If the estimates are believed, it will cost the government less than Rs50 lac to provide a perennial water supply to the lake.
local MlA Seema Trikha is taking keen interest in reviving the lake. As Chief Parliamentary Secretary, she is also taking care of Tourism in the State. By bringing water to the lake she is trying to kill two birds with one arrow. The watering of lake will not only provide a source of irrigation for the local people but it will refurbish the lake as a tourist spot also.
The filling of water in the lake will also be good for recharging the underground water in the surrounding area and it will be helpful in curtailing the chances of overflow in Agra Canal during rains. Talking to The Pioneer, Seema Trikha said that she has concrete plans to restore the glory of lake and she is putting in best efforts for it.