Gurgaon plans to revive dying 5-km long Chakkarpur bundh by planting a forest

The project — likely to be completed in two phases — will be developed on a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Under the supervision of the forest department, approximately 2.6 km will be developed by an NGO, IamGurgaon, and the other half by HUDA. American Express is funding one half of the project.

The 5 km long and 30 m wide Chakkarpur Bundh is a natural groundwater recharge zone near DLF Phase I. It connects two sections of the city — Chakkarpur and Wazirabad near Sector 56.

According to MD Sinha, Forest Conservator of Gurgaon, this stretch had as many as 180 water sources. However, due to gradual urbanisation and construction, the sources have been encroached upon.

Officials said the first phase of the project involves converting the 200-metre stretch from Chakkarpur Village to Paras Hospital into a forest. HUDA will complete this by March 31. It will cost Rs 4.3 crore and will be funded by American Express.

The second stretch from Paras Hospital to Sector 56 will be developed by the forest department with the help of IAmGurgaon.

Under the project, government agencies also plan to revive the Aravalli Biodiversity Park by laying cycle, walking and jogging tracks.

“If the project is successful, similar initiatives have been planned for other bundhs such as Ghata and Kadipur bundhs,” said Sinha. Also, the Gurgaon municipal corporation will restore the Jharsa bundh, which is spread across 5 km in the center of the city, said an official.

“There are about 30 bundhs in the city dating from the colonial or post-Independence era. These were important means to protect the area from floods and also helped in groundwater recharge. As the city grew around them, these structures began to get fragmented and were encroached upon. Most of them are located in the prime areas of the city which are now occupied by real estate. Thus, they are not serving the purpose for which they were developed,” said Rao Narbir Singh, Haryana Forest and PWD Minister.