Delhi govt to rejuvenate Naini lake

Delhi government today decided to revive the Naini lake, an extremely polluted water body in North Delhi's Model Town locality, by deconcretising, greening the surrounding area and introducing certain fish species.
Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra announced the decision after a meeting with North Delhi Mayor Ravinder Gupta. Environmentalists and local residents have over the years raised serious concerns over the situation of the "dying" lake.
"In the meeting, it was decided to rejuvenate the Naini Lake, a dead water body located in the Model Town locality. Delhi Tourism department will work to rejuvenate, conserve and revive the Naini Lake for boating and other such supporting activities," the government said.

Among major efforts for the lake's conservation and rejuvenation will be the implementation of renowned ecologist Prof C R Babu's plan for reviving its ecosystem without any engineering reinforcement.
North Delhi Municipal Corporation grants license for boating and related activities on a revenue-sharing model with Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation.
The agreement, thus, is also likely to provide a much-needed impetus to tourism in the lake.

Naini Lake, which had housed a variety of flora and fauna at one point, has ecologically degraded in recent years. The water level of the lake is at an all-time low while its depth has also reduced by a good 15 metres.

The Naini lake conservation has been a major issue among the locals in the recent past. Last December they had written to Mishra requesting him to step up efforts in reviving the lake.
Since last month, the local youth have also been using social media to mobilise support for the cause.