The Naini Lake in Model Town, north Delhi, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has invited bids for a Rs10.7-crore redevelopment project. This marks the third attempt to rejuvenate the lake, senior municipal officials revealed on Thursday.
The project aims to establish a sustainable water management system by laying pipelines to transport treated wastewater from the Coronation Pillar wastewater treatment plant to Model Town. This initiative will also provide irrigation water for nearby parks, thereby reducing dependence on groundwater resources. A senior MCD official explained that the notice inviting tenders for the project was reissued on June 19, with the technical bids opened on Thursday. “The project encompasses the installation of pipelines and the infrastructure necessary to carry treated water from the sewage treatment plant (STP) at Coronation Pillar, Mukherjee Nagar to Naini Lake. This component alone is projected to cost approximately Rs5.46 crore,” the official stated. In addition to the primary redevelopment efforts, an additional Rs71 lakh will be allocated for the infrastructure required to channel irrigation water from the lake to adjacent parks. The project is funded under the Central government’s Amrit Sarovar Mission.
Another official highlighted the current dependency of Naini Lake on groundwater extracted from borewells. “Ideally, a lake should contribute to groundwater recharge. In the case of Naini Lake, we operate pumps to maintain water levels. Utilising treated wastewater will benefit the entire region,” the official added. This comprehensive approach underscores the MCD’s commitment to sustainable urban water management. By integrating treated wastewater into the lake’s ecosystem, the project aims to not only enhance the aesthetic and recreational value of Naini Lake but also promote environmental sustainability.
The success of this initiative could serve as a model for similar projects across the city, highlighting the potential of innovative water management solutions in urban rejuvenation efforts. As the MCD moves forward with this ambitious plan, the effective implementation of these measures will be crucial in overcoming past challenges and ensuring the long-term viability of Naini Lake.
