“Can you imagine this place teeming with pristine rainwater?” That’s what an official said about Shahdara Lake. Once a jewel in East Delhi, Shahdara Lake is now poised for a grand revival.
The East Delhi Municipal Corporation is breathing new life into Shahdara Lake. It was once a wetland. Sadly, it degraded into a garbage dumping site.
But now, a transformation is underway. Shahdara Lake is being developed into a tourist hotspot. Imagine lush green areas surrounding a revitalized water body. A boating deck will offer leisurely rides. An island will provide a serene escape. A children’s park will bring laughter. An amphitheater will host cultural events.
The project includes a fish pond and lagoons. These will enhance the lake’s beauty. The aim is to restore the wetland and aquatic ecosystem. The project also envisions commercial uses.
Funding comes from the Trans-Yamuna Board. The National Environment Engineering Research Institute is acting as a consultant. The project’s estimated cost is Rs 25 crore. The work is likely to be completed next year.
A unique technology called Phytorid Natural Technology is being used. It is the first of its kind in India. This will revitalize the dried-up lake. The proposal involves treating 30 million gallons of wastewater daily. This will recharge the groundwater. It will also redevelop 30 acres into a green area. The water body will spread over 10 acres.
The EDMC possesses over 30 acres of land in Shahdara. Ten acres will become the lake. The remaining area will be a green cover with a playground. Once complete, Shahdara Lake will be a recreational center. There will be boating and amphitheater activities.
The lake will be encircled by a moat. Water will be treated through Phytorid technology there. The amphitheater can host cultural events. There is also a plan for a banquet hall. Commercial use of the project will generate revenue for the civic body. A non-motorized track will lead to Metro stations and residential areas.
Until 2022, there was an active effort to restore the lake. There was greening and construction. A footpath, amphitheater, and administrative block were being built. The partially completed park was even inaugurated in February 2022.
Progress slowed due to lack of funds. The finished work began deteriorating without maintenance. There is now a proposal to transfer the park’s upkeep to an NGO.
Under the central government’s AMRUT scheme, Rs 14.2 crore was received. This was used for the park’s boundary wall, amphitheater, and sitting area. Construction of the administrative block, entry gates, footpath, and parking was also undertaken.
Wild vegetation covered the amphitheater steps. The footpath and administrative block remained incomplete. Grass was patchy. There wasn’t much plantation except for weeds. Locals said lack of maintenance robbed the park of its charm.
In 2012, the east corporation invested Rs 4 crore to revive the lake. They filled it with treated water from a nearby drain. The National Environmental Research Institute executed the project. They used phytorid wastewater treatment technology. The plant is still operational. It supplies 2-3 lakh liters of treated water daily. A total of 6 crore liters is needed to fill the lake.
As we conclude our visit, remember Shahdara Lake’s potential. It is more than just a water body. It is a symbol of revival. It is a testament to what can be achieved.