![\"DDA](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-47529300,imgsize-110164,width-400,height-225,resizemode-75\/47529300.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNew Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has planned to complete key restoration and rejuvenation works of east Delhi\u2019s 52-acre Sanjay Lake in phases by next May.DDA announced the timeline Thursday following a recent visit by lieutenant governor TS Sandhu, who inspected the ongoing works and took note of the reports highlighting the lake\u2019s deteriorating condition due to disrupted water supply, silt accumulation, sewage inflow and garbage deposition. He directed officials to undertake the rejuvenation project in mission mode.Located inside a 165-acre protected forest area, Sanjay Lake is one of east Delhi\u2019s most prominent recreational spaces, bordered by Kalyanpuri and Trilokpuri on one side and Mayur Vihar Phase II on the other.Officials informed LG that the lake was fed by rainwater and treated water from the Dallupura sewage treatment plant (STP). In 2023, Delhi Jal Board<\/a> (DJB) started dredging the lake to increase its water-holding capacity and laid a two-foot-diameter pipeline to supply treated water from the STP. However, the water inflow has since been disrupted due to leakages in the pipeline, which is currently under repair.Sandhu directed DJB to expedite the repair and restore treated water supply at the earliest to maintain optimal water levels and ensure the lake\u2019s long-term sustainability as a resilient blue-green asset, said officials.DDA officials also briefed LG on the ongoing restoration efforts, including continuous de-weeding, algae removal and strengthening of embankment slopes through geo-textile technology to prevent soil erosion and excessive runoff. Sandhu instructed officials to ensure these maintenance works are completed without delay.He also directed authorities to strictly adhere to timelines for channelling stagnant water and installing bioswales to enhance groundwater recharge and protect walking pathways. Sandhu also stressed the need for comprehensive bioremediation measures and installation of aerators and fountains to improve dissolved oxygen levels and overall water quality.The works already underway include de-weeding and algae removal, slope protection, geo-textile application on embankments and repair of damaged boundary walls.Under the next phase, targeted for completion by Aug, DDA will undertake channelling stagnant water at multiple locations, installation of additional bioswales, pathway repairs, routine maintenance and removal of grass from the lake bed.In Phase II, slated for completion by May 2027, the authority plans to expand water channelling systems, increase bioswale coverage, undertake bioremediation of the waterbody, and install aerators and fountains to improve water quality and aesthetics.To further enhance the ecological value of the area, LG directed officials to undertake the planting of 5,000 native trees. The forest area was originally planted with eucalyptus during 1977-78 to improve poor soil conditions. With soil health having improved over the years, the area now supports a diverse mix of species, including neem, arjun, papri, ashoka, pilkhan, chandni, hibiscus, hamelia, kaner and tecoma.<\/div>\n