DJB planning to construct a 40-acre artificial lake near Raj Ghat

DELHI: For groundwater rejuvenation in the national capital region, Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is planning to construct a lake in a 40-acre stretch behind Raj Ghat near the bus depot. A total of Rs 36.51 crore for the lake and Rs 12 crore for developing a museum in its vicinity have been granted by the board on May 29. The estimated time required for the completion of the project was 3 years and the lake would be the 6^th of the artificial lakes created by the DJB to replenish the depleting groundwater levels. Treated waste water from the Delhi Gate sewage treatment plant will be tapped for the project. Senior DJB officials have ensured that the water tapped from the STP would undergo further treatments, like ozonation and activated charcoal, before being allowed into the lake. Aeration would be also done to ensure that the lake is not lacking in oxygen and the aquatic animals could survive.

“Currently, the STP discharges the treated water into the Yamuna. Provision of landscaping has also been included in the proposal for development of the lake,” highlighted a DJB released statement.

The construction site was previously an ash pond for the Raj Ghat power plant and has been abandoned since the dismantling of the plant in mid-2015.