Once, this very spot was teeming with life. Today, we stand at what remains of Badkhal Lake. Once a vibrant natural lake near Faridabad. It sat just 32 kilometers from Delhi.
Badkhal Lake was more than just a body of water. It was a man-made embankment nestled in the Aravalli Range hills. Can you picture it? A shimmering lake surrounded by lush greenery.
Its name likely came from the Persian word “beydakhal”. That means free from interference. Ironically, interference is exactly what led to its decline.
The lake’s story starts strong. After India’s independence in 1947, it was built to supply water to nearby farms. A bund was constructed between two low-lying Aravalli hills. This trapped runoff for irrigation.
In 1972, the Haryana government built a 30-room resort here. It became a major tourist spot throughout the 70s and 90s. People enjoyed boating and other activities on Badkhal Lake. Migratory birds flocked here too.
But a construction boom in the National Capital Region changed everything for Badkhal Lake. Large-scale mining and quarrying began obstructing water flow. Aquifers were damaged. Deforestation and excessive borewell digging worsened the situation. Mineral water companies even illegally took water from the lake.
By 2009, Badkhal Lake was completely dry. Only grassy terrain remained. Unusually low rainfall added to the problem.
There was a brief moment of hope in January 2010. The lake and nearby Surajkund were filled with water for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. However, a 2014 survey revealed Badkhal Lake was again completely dry. It depended entirely on rainfall for water.
Renewal efforts have been underway for years to save Badkhal Lake. In 2017, the state irrigation department tried using water from the Okhla canal. But that wasn’t viable. Manav Rachna University suggested using water from a Sewage Treatment Plant or STP.
In 2018, a Rs 79 crore lake revival project began. It included an STP project to fill the lake with regular discharge to a level of 6 meters in 300 days. But delays in clearances halted the work.
As of 2019, the government is still discussing measures to restore Badkhal Lake. Damaged aquifers and disturbed water catchment pathways remain big challenges. Environmental experts call the plans a simple renovation, not a full renewal.
Despite its current state, Badkhal Lake’s history is rich. The area has evidence of ancient settlements. The lake is mentioned in historical writings and local legends. It has been integral to local traditions and celebrations.
Nearby attractions include the ancient Surajkund reservoir and Anangpur Dam. There are also dozens of lakes in abandoned open-pit mines. The sacred Mangar Bani hill forest and Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary are close by.
What was once a haven for tourists and migratory birds is now a reminder of environmental challenges. It shows us the impact of unchecked development. The story of Badkhal Lake is not over. Hopefully, someday, it will thrive again.