The Times of India        01.12.2010

Worried about depleting groundwater, HUDA to construct lake in Sector 72

GURGAON: Worried about the plummeting groundwater index in the city, the HUDA is planning to construct a lake in Sector 72 in Gurgaon. On several occasions, chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had expressed concern about the depleting groundwater levels in the city. The HUDA is now planning to acquire land in sectors which at present are unused and are suitable for construction of water bodies. The project of developing a lake has been worked out in the land which at present is not owned by the HUDA. It is primarily aimed at ensuring replenishment of groundwater in the city, said HUDA administrator Nitin Yadav.

The development of the lake is in sync with the state governments policies of making of water bodies for improving the depleting groundwater table in the city. HUDA has started mapping the land and the process of acquiring land will start early next year.

On the proposal of developing a lake, the state governments response has been positive. The lake will add beauty to the city and the place can further be developed into a cultural centre and tourist spot in future, said the HUDA official. Encouraged by the state governments response, the HUDA is also planning to commission a feasibility study for the development of a lake and cultural hub on the site. The study will delve into issues like ensuring flow of rainwater and other resources for collecting in the proposed lake site.

The HUDA is also planning to acquire land near Sector 72 A. The news of the project has been welcomed by residents and real estate insiders. . This is a huge tract of land which should be used for something unique like development of a lake-cum-tourist spot. The HUDA must also think of developing the lake as per international standards with proper lighting and other facilities like boating, the way we have in Chandigarh, said Anurag Jain, a resident. According to real estate experts, the lake project will increase property price of all the residential colonies located close to Sector 72 and 72 A. At present, houses close to malls or on main roads are expensive. But once the lake project gets over, the other properties will get an automatic boost, said a real estate agent.