THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI

• LG reviews the rejuvenation and restoration work of Sanjay Lake in East Delhi.
• Nearly 60 percent of de-silting completed; LG directs to complete dredging & de-silting by 30th June
• Deepening of the lake by 2.5 meters will create water holding capacity of 53 million liters. 

Lt. Governor VK Saxena today visited Sanjay Lake of DDA in East Delhi and took stock of the de-silting and dredging works going on to rejuvenate the lake, following his last visit to Sanjay Lake on 05.11.2022. The LG expressed satisfaction over the pace of work that has resulted in completion of nearly 60 percent de-silting of the lake and directed the officials to complete the work positively by June 30, i.e. before the onset of the monsoon. The LG had in his first visit also instructed to deepen the lake by an average 2.5 meters, which was totally silted and water holding capacity was reduced to  only 25 percent.

During the review, the LG noted that all instructions given earlier for revival and better upkeep of the Sanjay Lake including de-silting, repair and maintenance, removal of dead trees and cleaning of the lake were being executed by the DDA properly. The LG was informed that pipelines have already been laid to channelize the rain water flowing from NH-24, which runs parallel to the Sanjay Lake, and several other adjoining residential areas, into the lake as per his instruction. This will particularly prevent waterlogging in these colonies during the upcoming monsoon months. The LG, in order to ensure that the residential colonies do not get flooded/waterlogged during the monsoon months, had issued specific instructions to divert the rainwater from these areas to the lake. At the same time, the sewage discharge from certain residential pockets has been completely checked so as to maintain the quality of water to support aquatic flora and fauna.

Spread over a massive 172 acres of land, Sanjay Lake is the biggest green asset in the entire East Delhi area and a 54-acre water body therein is the most striking feature of the park. Once deepened by 2.5 meters, this lake will be able to hold nearly 53 million litres of water. The LG issued instructions to DDA to complete the dredging and de-silting work before the monsoon arrives. This will rejuvenate the lake naturally while recharging the ground water simultaneously.

It may be noted that the LG has accorded top priority to restoration and rejuvenation of water bodies, in his efforts to recharge the ground water, make Delhi self-reliant for its water requirements and create blue-green asset for the national capital. In this regard, a number of steps like rejuvenation of water body at Roshanara Bagh, restoration of ancient Anang Tal Baoli, developing 03 water bodies at Baansera, rejuvenation of Bhalswa Lake, creation of water body in Asita East, etc. have been taken in recent times. 

In addition to this, the construction of airport drain and 05 water bodies in the Dwarka region is underway in full swing. Once completed, these water bodies will be used for storing the overflowing water during the monsoons from airport and thus prevent the usual flooding in and around Dwarka and IGI Airport. Further, 03 water bodies are being developed on the Yamuna flood plains near Garhi Mandu in North East Delhi that will significantly contribute to the water conservation program. At the same time, the feasibility of utilizing the depressions in Asola Bhati Mines for water conservation is also being explored under the supervision of the LG.

During the visit, the LG also interacted with the visitors who appreciated and thanked the LG for the rejuvenation of the lake and the enhanced amenities in the park. During his last visit, the LG had asked DDA to earmark nearly 5-acre segment in the park as a playground for the children with a separate passage.  While the same was also adhered to by the DDA, the LG was pleased to see hundreds of children playing various sports in that segment. 

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