The Hindu 22.12.2014
The metamorphosis of a garbage dump into an ecological hub
EDMC plans to make Shahdara Lake a recreational site
Imagine sitting by the blue waters of a lake in East
Delhi, surrounded by manicured gardens, listening to live music and
sampling a range of cuisines. With its redevelopment of Shahdara Lake,
the East Delhi Municipal Corporation is hoping to create just that — an
ecological and recreational hub at a spot that resembles a garbage dump
today.
Over the weekend, the EDMC officially started
its long-overdue project to revive the 14-acre lake and its
surroundings. Once complete, the area will have playgrounds for
children, lawns to host parties, an amphitheatre for live shows, a food
court and a meditation garden. It will even have a walkway for those
coming from the nearby Welcome metro station.
The
area is currently being used by locals to throw garbage and includes
many encroachments. Central to the plan is a water body with its own
ecosystem and a natural waste-water treatment plant based on Phytorid
technology, which uses plants for absorption.
According
to area councillor Harsh Deep Malhotra, the first phase of the project
will take nine months and cost Rs.22 lakh. He added that the development
of the gardens and recreational areas will only start after the water
treatment is completed in the first phase.
A senior
EDMC official said the project was first proposed in 2012. The National
Environmental Engineering Research Institute was roped in to draw up the
plans.
The Delhi Government through its Trans-Yamuna Development Board had cleared a budget of Rs.22 crore for the project.
“This
project is ultimately on the move after facing a lot of hindrances. It
is dream come true for us,” said EDMC Mayor Meenakshi.
While
the water treatment work has been started by NEERI, it remains to be
seen when the cash-strapped EDMC gets the remaining funds for its
ambitious project.
Central
to the project is a water body with its own ecosystem and a natural
waste-water treatment plant based on Phytorid technology, which uses
plants for absorption
