Delhi, the bustling metropolis and capital of India, is embarking on an ambitious project aimed at restoring its water supply and enhancing its livability. The City of Lakes project seeks to revitalize approximately 600 water bodies to act as natural reservoirs, storing excess rainfall and recycled water. With a deficit of 300 million gallons of freshwater per day, the restoration of these lakes is crucial to secure Delhi’s water security and reduce its dependence on neighboring regions.
The Timarpur Lake in northern Delhi serves as an example of the project’s progress. Once plagued by petty crime and the stench of sewage, the lake has undergone a remarkable transformation. It is now ready to welcome visitors with the addition of amenities such as an amphitheater, a children’s play area, and picturesque fountains.
However, restoring these lakes is no simple task. Many require adjacent water treatment facilities, making it a time-consuming and budget-restricted endeavor. Bureaucracy across government departments and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have further delayed the project’s execution. So far, less than 50 lakes have been successfully restored.
Madhu Verma, the chief economist at WRI India, emphasizes the need for investment in the lakes’ rejuvenation, as several are in poor health. Educating investors and planners about the benefits and cost-effectiveness of such infrastructure is crucial to garner support for the project.
Delhi’s water challenges, including both excess and scarcity, have become evident during the monsoon season. The city experiences heavy flooding, leading to the shutdown of water treatment facilities and a temporary disruption in the water supply. On a national level, India is grappling with the need for more clean water to meet the demands of its rapidly growing population. Despite being home to 16% of the world’s population, India only possesses 4% of the Earth’s freshwater resources.
Completed projects have demonstrated promising results, with groundwater levels rising by as much as six meters, according to the Delhi government. However, reviving and developing lakes present significant challenges. Delhi receives rainfall for only about 15 days during the monsoon season, rendering a perennial water source essential for the lakes’ sustainability.
Ankit Srivastava, an engineer advising the Delhi Jal Board, explains that every lake in the City of Lakes project will be connected to a water source to prevent them from drying up. Additionally, the project aims to utilize the city’s daily production of 500 million gallons of recycled water, which is currently being wasted. This recycled water will be pumped into the lakes and undergo further treatment before being supplied to households.
In addition to improving water supply and storage, the project also intends to serve as a buffer against floods. However, some experts remain skeptical about the lakes’ capacity to mitigate flooding. They argue that the recent flooding in Delhi was mostly due to urbanization in low-lying areas with inadequate drainage systems.
The restoration of Delhi’s lakes not only addresses water challenges but also enhances the quality of life for its residents. As construction encroached upon many lakes, they deteriorated or became dumping grounds. Restoring these water bodies will attract diverse bird and plant species, rejuvenating the ecosystems surrounding the lakes.
At Timarpur Lake, a group of laborers is diligently working on the sewage treatment plant that will supply recycled water to the lake. In the near future, the gates of the lake will open to the public, providing a recreational space for Delhi’s residents.
The City of Lakes project estimates the total cost to be around 10 billion rupees ($122 million). Despite limitations, such as the city’s limited rainfall and the size and location of the lakes, the project serves as a significant step towards securing Delhi’s water supply and enhancing the city’s ecosystem.
