MCD Begins Rs 9.7-Crore Naini Lake Revamp In Model Town
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has started work on the complete restoration of Naini Lake in Model Town following years of planning. The Rs 9.7-crore revival initiative, being carried out under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme, was officially inaugurated on Sunday by Delhi minister Kapil Mishra. Work on the project is expected to be completed by July 2027.
A major component of the project involves establishing a regular water supply mechanism to replenish the urban water body. Workers will lay pipelines of 200m in diameter extending from the Coronation Pillar sewage treatment plant (STP), located four kilometres away. Treated water will be transported daily through this dedicated line to maintain the lake's water levels.
To ensure efficient water usage, the system has been designed to manage overflow. Excess treated water from Naini Lake will be routed daily through a pipeline to supply at least 10 municipal parks in the surrounding neighbourhood. An official noted that a comprehensive study was conducted prior to starting work to assess the lake's exact requirements.
The initiative also includes various physical and infrastructure upgrades across the site. Planned works involve the remodelling of a peripheral reinforced cement concrete (RCC) drain, installing two musical fountains, and placing RCC benches for visitors. The scope further covers revamping an existing toilet block, undertaking horticultural work, setting up fancy lighting, and repairing the boundary wall and perimeter grille.
Spanning an area of 6.5 acres with a depth ranging between four and 10 feet, Naini Lake has for years relied on borewell water to maintain its volume. The location remains an active public space where Delhi Tourism operates boating facilities.
Highlighting the environmental significance of the site, an official stated that the lake serves essential ecological functions, including groundwater recharge, temperature buffering, and dust and carbon absorption. The project aims to preserve its role as a habitat for aquatic flora and fauna while maintaining it as a safe recreational asset for the local community.
