THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI
Continuing with his resolve of being on the roads of Delhi to address issues facing the National Capital expeditiously by taking on the spot decisions, Lt. Governor of Delhi, Shri V.K. Saxena visited the Bhatti Mines reserved forest area yesterday, 31st May 2022 along with Chief Secretary, ACS Environment, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Special Officer MCD, Commissioner MCD, Divisional Commissioner, Principal Secretary PWD and other senior officials.
Out of the several depressions in the landscape lying in the rain shadow area where precipitation is scanty, small quantity of rain water is collected in the pits situated there. Walking up to two such sites along with officials, the LG observed that the large bowl shaped pits with depths reaching up to 80 feet therein, had a huge capacity to hold water which was not being utilized as of now. Upon being informed that the level of water in the pits/reservoirs did not reach beyond four feet, he directed that water recharge in the area should be enhanced by linking it to neighbouring areas that persistently faced the problem of overflow and waterlogging by creating channels leading up to the pits. This he said, would not only help developing these pits as natural eco-friendly water bodies that could eventually develop into watering holes for attracting a vast variety of fauna including birds and non-predatory wild life, but also help reduce the problem of waterlogging on the roads in South Delhi, besides helping recharge and raise the underground water table.
In this regard, the LG directed officials to undertake a contour survey of the area so as to ascertain and map the flow of water in the catchment. This, he said, would help in planning of channels that could be laid and lead up to the pits. DM, South District was directed to identify major areas/points of waterlogging in the vicinity within a week so that connecting lines could be laid leading up to the pits at the earliest.
The LG was informed that about 340 hectares of this reserve forest was under encroachment, to which he directed to take up the removal of encroachment on priority by the Revenue and Forest Departments.
The full potential of the Bhatti Mines reserve forest area could be realized by developing it into an eco-tourism destination for residents of the city as well as tourists, Shri Saxena said, and asked officials to submit a plan to this effect within two months. He also advised officials to avoid planting of Vilayati Keekar and ensure plantation of native species in coherence with the overall ecology of the area including flowering plants that enabled bee keeping, Moringa and special varieties of bamboo such as Bambusa Tulda and Bambusa Polymorpha that have high commercial potential. This would, apart from ensuring rich and diverse flora and fauna also provide the reserve with opportunities of revenue generation. He directed that treated water be used for horticulture purposes as far as possible in the area and asked DJB to submit an action plan for the same within a weeks’ time.
It was also decided to constitute a multi-disciplinary task force for preparing a comprehensive plan and ensuring its implementation by taking all necessary steps.