NGT seeks ASI report on Purana Qila lake

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday directed Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to submit a detailed report on the Purana Qila lake in the capital in four weeks.

A bench, headed by NGT chairperson justice Swatanter Kumar, directed the ASI to depute an officer to restore the lake, which is covered with moss and has become a dumping ground, to its old glory.

Advocate Neelam Rath-ore, appearing for the applicant in the case, said that despite the tribunal’s direction, the condition of the lake has not improved and steps were needed to rejuvenate the water body.

The NGT was hearing a plea filed by city resident Puja Jain seeking restoration of the water bodies in the city. Due to the apathy of the concerned authorities and poor water management, Delhi has lost most of its water bodies, the most recent being the Purana Qila lake, adjacent to the historic monument.

The NGT had earlier taken exception to non- compliance of its May 19 order to restore all water bodies in the city. The NGT had asked the ASI to appear before it and explain why silt, sand and other debris have not been removed from the lake despite a specific direction by it in this regard.

The tribunal had earlier directed the city government to rejuvenate water bodies and asked it to maintain and clean them regularly so that they become a source of natural beauty for the residents of the nearby area.

The NGT had approved a proposal put forth by the Delhi Jal Board to revive the Rajokri water body in south-west Delhi and develop it. 

However, it said “concrete, cement or bricks” should not be used which may change the natural geomorphology of the area. “The catchment area of the lake has to be protected. Also, siltation should be avoided due to erosion and dumping of waste for a healthy lake rich in acquatic life,” it added.