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Delhi's Ancient Reservoir Gets a New Lease of Life
20 Jan
Summary
- A 4.5 MLD sewage treatment plant will clean Delhi's Hauz-i-Shamsi.
- The project costs ₹35 crore, with central and state government funding.
- The 13th-century reservoir was neglected and used as a dumping ground.

A significant step is being taken to restore the 13th-century Hauz-i-Shamsi reservoir in Delhi, which has suffered from years of neglect and pollution. The Delhi government is initiating the construction of a 4.5 million litres a day sewage treatment plant (STP) in Vasant Kunj.
The project carries a total cost of approximately ₹35 crore, with the National Mission for Clean Ganga contributing ₹15.66 crore and the Delhi government covering operational costs. This initiative is designed to combat the persistent issues of sewage seepage, sludge accumulation, and garbage dumping that have plagued the ASI-protected reservoir.
The bidding process for the STP has commenced, with construction anticipated to start shortly. The plant will operate on a design, build, and operate model for 15 years. This development offers hope for rejuvenating the historic Shamsi Talab, once a vast water body, which has dwindled in size and suffered damage to its original sandstone structure.



