Delhi Revives Dying Lakes to Tackle Flooding and Replenish Groundwater

In October 2025, the Delhi government has launched an ambitious plan to revive more than 50 natural water bodies across the city. The initiative aims to turn Delhi's barely functional lakes and ponds into natural sponges that can store excess rainwater, reduce flooding, and replenish the city's fast-depleting groundwater.

The revival plan forms a key part of Delhi's newly released Drainage Master Plan, the first major update to the city's drainage system in over four decades. Most of the targeted water bodies have either dried up or degraded over time due to urbanization, encroachment, and disconnection from natural drainage channels.

The plan involves desilting, stabilizing embankments, and installing aeration systems to improve water quality at the identified sites. Bhalswa Lake, one of the city's largest, has been chosen as the model pilot, where rejuvenation work has already begun. Once restored, the 40-hectare lake will have a depth of 3.5 meters and a storage capacity of 1.4 million cubic meters.

The broader drainage plan also introduces real-time monitoring, with silt traps installed in major drains and all pumping stations automated and linked to a central control room. This will allow the city to respond swiftly to heavy rainfall and flooding.

Overall, the initiative represents a shift from Delhi's decades-old approach to drainage, integrating nature-based solutions with modern systems to better manage stormwater during the monsoon.