Revival of Delhi’s Naini lake put on hold again

The corporation, which till last week was ready to hand over the lake to the Delhi government, has now decided to see if it can redevelop the lake and earn revenue from it.

The stand-off between Delhi government and North Delhi Municipal Corporation over the revival of the Naini Lake in Model Town continues even after a year-long campaign and planning.

The revival of Naini Lake was to be a pilot project based on which several other lakes in the city were to be revived. The government has already taken over 10 ponds and lakes for the purpose. (Vipin Kumar/HT Photo)

The corporation, which till last week was ready to hand over the lake to the Delhi government, has now decided to see if it can redevelop the lake and earn revenue from it.

While the Delhi government had plans to do away with any activities potentially harmful for aquatic life and revive the lake ecologically, what the corporation plans to do is still unclear.

Residents, who have been pushing for a takeover by the government, are a disappointed and worried lot.

“Till last week we were sure that the government will take over the lake and restore it to its previous natural glory. The corporation’s decision, however, has left us worried. If earning revenue is their motive then there is a big chance they might start activities that harm the lake. We are against activities such as motorboating and zorbing. They disturb aquatic life,” said a resident.

The revival of Naini Lake was to be a pilot project based on which several other lakes in the city were to be revived. The government has already taken over 10 ponds and lakes for the purpose.