The Timarpur lake, being developed as a tourist destination by the Kejriwal government, is soon set to offer people the opportunity to revel in the marvels of nature. This project not only facilitates groundwater recharge but also alleviates water-related issues faced by the local population. On the occasion of World Environment Day, Water Minister Shri Saurabh Bhardwaj, visited the Timarpur lake site on Monday to assess the progress of the associated works. Additionally, he gave directions to the officials to ensure the timely completion of high-quality tasks. During this visit, Shri Saurabh Bhardwaj, in the company of local residents and children, engaged in tree plantation activities around the lake, spreading the message of environmental conservation.
The sprawling Timarpur lake, spanning 40 acres, will soon be open for tourists. Water Minister Shri Saurabh Bhardwaj revealed that the development work for Timarpur lake on a 40-acre plot is currently underway. The plan for constructing the lake is in its final phase, with 90 percent of the work from the initial phase already completed. The remaining work is expected to be finished soon, after which the lake will be open to the general public. The project aims to establish an ecological system and implement cost-effective methods to maximise underground water recharge. A Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) being constructed here will channel clean water into the lake. Once the project is completed, it will aid in water storage, groundwater recharge, and contribute to water treatment.
Shri Saurabh Bhardwaj explained the significance of the project and said, “Around 1940, there used to be a British-era treatment plant in Timarpur, Delhi. These oxidation ponds were used to clean dirty water. This method of cleaning dirty water was very old, which resulted in the accumulation of dirty water on the land of Timarpur, causing a foul smell. Due to these reasons, the plant was closed. Subsequently, people started dumping garbage on the site for several years. In such a situation, this place became a den of anti-social elements. There used to be gatherings of drunkards in the evening, which made the local people feel insecure. Criminal incidents also began occurring here. Due to the filth and insecurity, people in the surrounding area avoided coming here. Local people lodged complaints with their public representatives, following which Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal took the responsibility of developing a lake on this land. Additionally, a natural Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is also being constructed here. The local people are very happy with the formation of the lake. Now, not only have the residents of the area been relieved of the filth, but it has also become a safe place for the public. Various facilities are available for people of all classes.”
The Kejriwal government is developing Timarpur lake as a tourist destination. The lake complex will offer various facilities such as a food cafe, open-air theatre, butterfly park, gallery, and auditorium. Once the lake complex is opened, visitors will not only enjoy the beauty of the lake but also have access to amenities like a selfie point, a seating area with a stepped plaza, and a museum. Additionally, it will be connected to the Signature Bridge. The lake’s development will not only help replenish the groundwater level but also create an ecosystem in the area. Furthermore, it will contribute to meeting the water scarcity in the surrounding regions. Measures will be taken to ensure that the lake remains filled with clean water throughout the year.
During the inspection, Vaibhav Kumar, a localite who was present at the site, said, “A few years ago, this land used to be full of filth. There used to be a gathering of anti-social elements throughout the day. This place was very unsafe, especially for women and children. Seeing such an atmosphere, the local people complained to the public representatives. Taking immediate action on this, Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal gave us the gift of the lake. Where earlier people did not even like to pass through, now they are waiting for this beautiful lake to open as soon as possible so that they can find moments of relaxation in the summer season here.”
Another local resident, Govind, said, “Earlier, there was a pile of filth everywhere on this land. In such a situation, the local residents were troubled by the stench. People were also afraid of dangerous diseases like dengue and malaria. There used to be a gathering of drunkards here in the evening, and it became difficult for the people to live together. Now, the Kejriwal government has given us a great gift by developing the lake here. I want to thank the Kejriwal government from the bottom of my heart. Now this lake is one of the cleanest and safest places in the area for us.”
Shri Saurabh Bhardwaj said that in addition to the construction of the lake complex in Timarpur, a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is also being developed on 5 acres of land. This STP is being constructed as part of the second phase of the Timarpur Lake Complex project. Every day, 25 MLD (Million Litres per Day) of water will be treated in this plant. The treated water from the plant will be utilised to fill the lake and recharge the groundwater. It is estimated that Timarpur lake has the potential to recharge 15 to 20 million gallons of water daily.
Shri Bhardwaj further added, “The Kejriwal government is engaged in recharging the groundwater by renovating and constructing new lakes in the capital Delhi. With this initiative, Delhi will not only become a city of lakes, but the groundwater level will also improve. In the coming time, the capital will have its own sources of water from the different lakes being built in Delhi. Indigenous plants are being planted around the lakes to revive the ecosystem. Along with this, continuous efforts are being made to give a beautiful look to all the water bodies.”
