Lakes and wetland management
Hauz Khas Lake, Delhi
The historical water body of 16 acres in south Delhi was revived by reopening connections with catchment rain inflows and by providing regular inflow of treated waste water. The water table was recharged substantially by about 500 million litres. In situ and ex situ treatment techniques have been employed to manage water quality. This replicable project has become a habitat for migratory birds.
High Altitude Lakes
Situated in Himalayas, High altitude lakes are mostly associated with Hindu mythology and legends. The lakes have retained their pristine ecological character but with the increasing pilgrim pressure promoted by the state they are beginning to face environmental threats as well as dilution of their sacred ambience. INTACH surveyed four high altitude lakes – Manimahesh Lake [HP] and Vasuki Tal, Dodital and Deoria Tal in Uttarakhand. The recommendations of the project includes to establishing carrying capacity, buffer zones, alternative pilgrimage routes and camp site locations in order to mitigate the environmental stress and maintain the sacred ambience while balancing the need for spiritual blessings of the pilgrims.
Shoreline Development Plan for Lakes in Nainital District, Uttarakhand
The project included preparing a shoreline development plan for lakes in Nainital district, which were facing severe threats from sedimentation and adverse anthropogenic influences in the catchment area.
INTACH has been involved in:
- Cleansing of Suchindram and other temple tanks in Nagercoil.
- Restoration plan for Satpula Dam, Delhi.
- Eco-restoration of Jahangirpuri Marshes, Delhi.
- Eco-restoration plans for three lakes in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
- Conservation plans for three lakes in Hazaribagh and Sitarampur, Jharkhand.
- Conservation planning for Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan.
Sanjay Lake, Delhi
The project involved in situ improvement of water quality in the 17 ha heavily polluted lake to improve its water quality and restore bio-diversity habitats in and around lake.
Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad
The water in 12 km long waterbody is eutrophic with algal overgrowth and hydrilla bloom rendering it difficult to be used for recreation. As a part of Sabarmati River Front Development Plan, INTACH was involved in scientific analysis of soil and water samples, diagnosing the issues and prescribing innovative solutions to be employed on pilot basis.
Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad
Scientific analysis showed that refill groundwater was the actual source of pollution in the 30 ha lake rich in algal turbidity. The plan, for the Ahmedabad Municipal Cooperation, involved changing the source of water and bioremediation through the bacterial consortium.
Bhalaswa Lake, Delhi
Conservation measures were implemented to conserve the 47 ha oxbow lake on Yamuna floodplains in north Delhi. Measures included changing the bed geometry, bringing in surplus Yamuna floodwaters and treated wastewaters, maintaining water quality through bioremediation and pisciculture.
Mansagar Lake, Jaipur
As a part of a tourism infrastructure project, plans were drawn up for changing the Lake’s geometrical characteristics. A hydrological model was prepared to regulate inflows and ensure a perennial water body, imparting a visual floating effect to the Jal Mahalsituated in the Lake.