Delhi Jal Board clears various plans to recharge groundwater

NEW DELHI: Besides unveiling the new septage collection scheme, Delhi Jal Board in its 150th board meeting on Friday cleared a host of projects aimed at reviving lakes, improving the green cover and groundwater levels in south Delhi.
The projects include revival of four completely dry lakes using phytorid technology, creation of a 34-acre wetland near Timarpur, oxidation ponds and laying of pumping infrastructure to carry treated wastewater from Okhla to Bhatti Mines for groundwater recharge.
Four waterbodies at Rasulpur, Bindapur, Dhichau Kalan and Tikri Kalan would be rejuvenated using phytorid treatment technology. The wastewater treatment plants would be able to purify 300 lilolitres a day, which would be pumped into the waterbodies, ultimately improving groundwater levels.
“The work includes construction of phytorid beds along with screen chamber, collection tank, sedimentation tank and installation of hypo-dosing system. It also includes excavation of a lake in case of dry waterbodies and has a provision of maintenance for 12 months. The work is expected to be completed in six months,” said an official.
The revival of lakes is now at the centre-stage of the groundwater revival project. “Due to rapid urbanisation and consequent overexploitation of groundwater, the water table has gone down alarmingly. There is a substantial increase in demand of water. The availability of water is 900 MGD against the requirement of 1,300 MGD,” the official said.
DJB also approved the creation of a 32-acre wetland at Timarpur, which would be developed as a mini-biodiversity park. “The project for revival of the defunct oxidation pond at Timarpur through engineered ecological system for wastewater treatment will lead to creation of a new tourist attraction,” said the official.
The official said, “There are 15 abandoned mine pits that will be used for groundwater recharge in Chhatarpur, Deoli and Sangam Vihar. The work will be completed in 18 months.”