Bhalswa lake, attributed as one of the largest urban water bodies of Delhi (almost 59 hectares) and once a public and cultural hotspot owing to its unique horseshoe shape and  strategic location within ­­Northwest Delhi has today reduced to a garbage dump with one of its famous horseshoe arm gone under a landfill and unauthorized settlements occupying the space instead. The lake which at one point of time hosted water sports, boating and cultural activities around Chatt puja now struggles to survive. Garbage dumping, sewage from the abutting settlements, cattle dung spreads, encroachment of the lakefront and heaps of solid waste during Chatt puja events has degraded the urban lake to an extent where eutrophication and bad odors is all one experiences therein. Moreover a significant reduction of water level has added to its lifelessness and loss of natural habitats of many aquatic as well as terrestrial species.

However under the... Read More