The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) on Monday approved a proposal amounting to Rs 376 crore for rejuvenating 159 water-bodies across the national Capital. The Board has also approved Rs 77 crore to create two mega lakes at Nilothi and Rohini sewage treatment plant.
The move to approve Rs 376 crore to rejuvenate the lakes aims to recharge groundwater, create additional reserves of water among other benefits, the statement said.
With the approval of Nilothi and Rohini mega lakes, the total number of lakes to be created in Delhi goes up to five. Lakes in Dwarka and Najafgarh are already approved and Timarpur will be approved soon, it said.
Out of Rs 77 crore, Rs 53.85 crore would be spent to develop 32-acre Rohini Mega lake and Rs 23.5 crore for 25-acre Nilothi Lake.
The cumulative lake area will be spread across over 350 acres with water potential to hold 1,581 million litres or 135 million gallons. “The water-bodies will be designed scientifically to recharge groundwater to the maximum extent possible. Apart from rainwater, treated water from Sewage Treatment Plants will be polished using natural wetlands and other methods to maintain the water levels in the water-body throughout the year,” it said.
It further said, the step will improve depleting groundwater levels of Delhi apart from making the city sustainable for water supply. Excess water from the ground will be taken out to augment Delhi water supply wherever required, the DJB said.
In addition to the lakes being created and rejuvenated by the Delhi Jal Board, 29 lakes are being rejuvenated by the Irrigation Flood Department, added.
“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 sewage treatment plant,” it said.
This is being done in line with the announcement made by the Delhi government’s plan of rejuvenating 200 water bodies in Delhi. The consultants for the project are NEERI, IIT Delhi and WAPCOS.