Delhi Restores 20 Water Bodies Two Remaining Under Phased Development
Delhi has made significant progress in reviving its urban water ecosystems, with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) reporting to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that 20 of the 22 water bodies under its jurisdiction have been successfully restored. The remaining two, Welcome Jheel and Model Town’s Naini Lake, are currently under phased development. Officials confirmed that all 22 sites remain free from encroachment.
The MCD emphasised that the restoration projects aim not only to conserve water resources but also to enhance urban biodiversity and provide eco-friendly recreational spaces. Welcome Jheel is on course to be notified as the city’s first wetland under the State Wetland Authority, highlighting Delhi’s commitment to sustainable urban water management.The initiative responds to growing concerns over the gradual disappearance of Delhi’s water bodies. In April last year, the NGT had taken suo motu cognisance of media reports highlighting the shrinking wetlands and sought updates from multiple agencies on their protection measures. Authorities indicated that coordinated action across land-owning bodies has been key to the restoration process.
In January, the Union Environment Ministry reported to the NGT that work on 1,367 water bodies across Delhi is being overseen by various stakeholders. The first phase, which aims for the rejuvenation of 631 water bodies by December 31, 2025, includes desilting, removal of invasive species, and clearing encroachments. These steps are part of an effort to comply with directives from the Delhi High Court, which had instructed all wetlands to be appraised for maintenance by the end of 2024, a deadline that was subsequently extended.Officials highlighted that such initiatives play a crucial role in improving urban resilience, mitigating flood risks, and promoting climate-sensitive development. The restoration projects also serve as green infrastructure, providing ecological services such as water purification, microclimate regulation, and enhanced biodiversity corridors in densely populated areas.
Experts in urban environmental planning noted that Delhi’s approach combines regulatory oversight, technical restoration, and community engagement to secure long-term sustainability. They underlined that preserving wetlands is vital not just for the city’s ecology but also for ensuring equitable access to green spaces for residents across all neighbourhoods.With 20 water bodies restored and the remaining two nearing completion, Delhi is emerging as a model for eco-conscious urban governance, where heritage wetlands and natural water resources are integrated into the city’s long-term planning agenda.
