Delhi LG Sets 90-Day Deadline for 77 Water Body Restoration Plan

Delhi LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu reviewed DDA's comprehensive plan to rejuvenate 77 water bodies across the capital. Immediate restoration will begin on 77 water bodies, with six targeted in 30 days, 48 in 60 days, and 23 in 90 days. The restoration will occur in two phases, involving dredging, desilting, and beautification. The LG stressed strict adherence to timelines and effective implementation.

Key Points: Delhi LG Reviews DDA Plan to Restore 77 Water Bodies

  • LG reviews DDA plan for 77 water bodies
  • Six water bodies to be restored in 30 days
  • 48 water bodies targeted in 60 days
  • Remaining 23 to be restored in 90 days
  • Two-phase restoration includes dredging, desilting, and beautification
2 min read

Delhi LG reviews DDA plan to rejuvenate 77 water bodies across capital, sets strict timelines for phased restoration

Delhi LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu reviews DDA's plan to rejuvenate 77 water bodies in phased restoration, with strict timelines of 30, 60, and 90 days for completion.

"The restoration exercise will be conducted in two phases. - DDA Officials"

New Delhi, May 9

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Friday reviewed a comprehensive presentation by the Delhi Development Authority outlining plans for the rejuvenation, restoration, and long-term conservation of water bodies under its jurisdiction across the National Capital.

According to a release from the DDA, the presentation was held following directives issued by the LG about a week ago, wherein he instructed officials to prepare and implement a concrete and actionable plan for the revival of the city's deteriorating water bodies, which have been affected over time due to encroachment, pollution, and inadequate maintenance.

During the review meeting, DDA officials informed Sandhu that immediate restoration work would begin on 77 water bodies, while the remaining sites would be taken up in a phased manner. Of the 77 identified water bodies, six are scheduled to be restored within the next 30 days, 48 within 60 days, and the remaining 23 within 90 days. The LG directed that all works be executed on the ground without delay and stressed strict adherence to the prescribed timelines.

DDA officials explained that, "The restoration exercise will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will focus on the actual rejuvenation of dead or dying water bodies, involving dredging, excavation, desilting, and clearance of catchment areas to maximise the inflow and retention of rainwater. In the second phase, additional works will include strengthening embankments, creating plantations, constructing fencing, installing sewage treatment plants (STPs) and Decentralised Sewage Treatment Plants (DSTPs), and carrying out beautification initiatives to enhance the aesthetic and environmental value of the water bodies."

The officials further clarified that, "The six water bodies targeted in the first 30 days require only excavation, digging, or cleaning, while the 48 relatively smaller water bodies to be restored within 60 days will undergo both excavation and desilting activities. The phased approach is intended to ensure that restoration is effective, sustainable, and in line with the LG's vision of reviving Delhi's aquatic ecosystems."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Nisha Z
Living in Dwarka, I've seen how badly our local water body has deteriorated - it's basically a mosquito breeding ground now. 😞 This is a good initiative but why only 77 water bodies? Delhi has hundreds more! Also, the beautification part sounds nice but please focus on the actual restoration first - trees and fencing can come later. The STPs and DSTPs installation is crucial because without treating sewage inflow, all this effort will be wasted in a few months.
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Arun Y
As someone who works in environmental consulting, I appreciate the phased approach. But I have concerns - desilting alone won't revive a 'dead' water body if the groundwater table has dropped significantly or if encroachments aren't removed permanently. The LG's push is good but DDA needs to work with DJB and local bodies simultaneously. Also, where will the excavated silt go? Hope they don't just dump it somewhere else creating new problems. Let's see if this translates to actual ground reality. 🤔
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Michael C
Interesting to see this kind of structured restoration plan. Coming from Australia where water management is taken very seriously, I hope the Indian authorities also focus on rainwater harvesting integration alongside this. The 77 water bodies can become excellent recharge structures if designed properly. The LG setting strict timelines is a good sign - accountability is key. However, I'd be interested to know the budget allocation and whether there's a monitoring mechanism beyond just the initial deadlines.
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Kavita C
Living in East Delhi, the smell from our local pond during summers is unbearable. 😷 This is long overdue! But honestly, I'm skeptical about the timelines - 90 days for 23 water bodies? That seems unrealistic given how much encroachment and garbage there is. Also, what about community participation? In my colony, people have been asking to adopt the water body but there's no clear mechanism. The LG should also involve RWAs and local NGOs in maintenance. Just government work

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