The Delhi Forest Department has successfully revived two ponds in the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, despite facing several climate-related challenges. These water bodies, part of a larger pilot project aimed at restoring 10 artificial ponds in the sanctuary, have demonstrated their ability to retain water even with minimal winter rainfall, high temperatures, and the water seepage characteristic of the Aravali region.
The project, initiated in March 2024, was designed to capture and store rainwater, helping to sustain local ecosystems throughout the dry months. The goal was to collect an impressive eight lakh crore litres of rainwater across the 10 ponds. However, only two of the restored ponds have thus far shown remarkable resilience, retaining their water levels due to innovative, natural methods. These included the use of aquatic grasses, clay, silt, and native vegetation to prevent seepage and reduce evaporation. The two ponds, located at strategic points in the sanctuary, have successfully stored a combined total of 1.5 crore litres of water. This accomplishment is especially noteworthy considering the ongoing deterioration of wetlands across the city and the lack of successful interventions to protect endangered water bodies. The restoration of these ponds marks a rare success in Delhi’s environmental efforts.
Vipul Pandey, the Deputy Conservator of Forest (South Delhi) who oversees the Asola Sanctuary, explained the process, saying that many of the 10 ponds had pre-existing natural depressions. However, issues such as high percolation rates and evaporation had to be addressed. The department implemented a number of traditional restoration techniques, focusing on maintaining the integrity of pond bunds and clearing the surrounding catchment channels to allow water retention. In addition, vegetation such as palash and kikar trees were planted around the ponds to reduce evaporation by providing shade and regulating temperatures. One of the two successfully restored ponds, covering 3,971 square metres, has a capacity of nearly 94 lakh litres of water, while the second, spanning 3,159 square metres, holds just over 77 lakh litres. Despite initial challenges, the project has shown that with careful planning and the use of natural resources, significant strides can be made in restoring Delhi’s wetlands, even in the face of climate adversity.
The forest department had identified these water bodies through historical records and consultations with local villagers and retired forest officials, some of whom helped restore the ponds to their original names. This restoration effort not only promises to alleviate water scarcity during dry months but also serves as an important step toward preserving the city’s ecological balance in the face of rapid urbanisation. As the project progresses, forest officials remain hopeful that these two restored ponds will serve as successful models for future wetland conservation efforts in Delhi and other urban regions grappling with similar environmental challenges.
