Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Journalism of Courage
Premium
This is an archive article published on February 14, 2025
811 water bodies identified, 247 of these can’t be restored: DDA to National Green Tribunal
The Delhi Development Authority informed the NGT that the status of more than half of the 811 water bodies it has identified is uncertain or pending due to various reasons.
The NGT had taken suo motu cognisance of a news report on the disappearance of water bodies in Delhi in April 2024. (Express Image)
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has identified 811 water bodies under its ownership and found that 247 were non-feasible for restoration due to existing land plans, encroachments, and built-up properties, it informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday.
The NGT had taken suo moto cognisance of a news report on the disappearance of water bodies in Delhi in April 2024. The DDA informed the NGT that the status of more than half of the water bodies identified by it remains uncertain or pending, with 320 not demarcated, 100 not handed over to the DDA by departments concerned, including the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, and 24 awaiting ‘khasra verification’.
The DDA also informed that 174 water bodies have been developed, and 427 have been found feasible for restoration.
The East Zone has the maximum number of non-feasible water bodies, 70, followed by the Dwarka Zone with 59.
In January this year, it was decided that the DDA would take up at least 10 water bodies in each zone for rejuvenation. The DDA has fixed the timeline for the completion of the rejuvenation of 10 water bodies in all zones by March 15.
The Wetland Authority of Delhi had, in an earlier submission, stated that there are 1,367 identified water bodies in Delhi, of which 1,045 have been listed in the revenue records and an additional 322 have been identified using satellite imagery.
The NGT had issued notices to the DDA, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Forest Department, Department of Rural Development and Panchayat to submit responses giving timelines for restoration, rejuvenation and remediation of water bodies in their areas.
Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Live Blog