Delhi’s Water Body Restoration Efforts Stalled
New Delhi faces challenges in preserving its water bodies despite ongoing efforts. The Welcome Jheel in east Delhi remains barren despite renovation, epitomizing the stagnancy in wetland restoration.
- 2021: Delhi State Wetland Authority (DSWA) identified 1,045 water bodies.
- 2022: Welcome Jheel renovation completed, but water source pending.
- 2024: Delhi government added 322 sites, totaling 1,367 water bodies.
- DSWA Delays: No water body notified as a “wetland” in five years.
Officials cite delays from land-owning agencies in sharing necessary details. Many rejuvenation projects, like Welcome Jheel, remain incomplete, awaiting operational Sewage Treatment Plants.