At the deep end for years, Naini Lake moves towards revival

The Lake Area Residents Association (LARA) had reached out to Vardhan to clean the lake and restart boating after it was stopped due to disagreements between the North Delhi Municipal Corporation and Delhi government’s tourism department.

Noted ecologist C R Babu had also formulated a revival plan for the lake, for which the first suggested step was desilting.

A statement issued by Vardhan’s office said residents were wary of the move.

“But they were quite apprehensive about desilting the lake — which was suggested by Babu as a starting point — as they felt it would increase seepage of water in their houses,” the statement from the minister’s office said.

The floating ecosystem, mounted on a thick sheet of thermocol, was designed by scientists at the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI).

Some residents, however, questioned the decision to reject Babu’s as well as the NGT committee’s recommendations.

“This is hogwash. They are putting thermocol, a pollutant, in the water. What they are doing right now is just cosmetic work. It will not help clean the lake,” said Juhi Chaudhary, a resident.

Among the primary demands of LARA is to restart boating at the lake, which members say will bring more people to the lake and thus ensure a closer eye on cleanliness.