Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Saturday said the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will begin work in a phased manner on the rejuvenation and restoration of 77 water bodies in the Capital.

Mr. Sandhu, who is also DDA chairman, said all plans related to the restoration will be implemented immediately and timelines must be strictly adhered to. “Following my directions to swiftly implement a concrete plan of action for the revival and restoration of Delhi’s priceless yet rapidly deteriorating aquatic assets, DDA is immediately commencing work on 77 water bodies,” the L-G posted on X.

Beginning with six water bodies in the north-west district, including Sultanpur Dabas, Rani Khera and Madanpur Dabas, which will be restored within the next 30 days, the DDA plans to revive 48 more water bodies in the next 60 days and the remaining 23 within 90 days, a senior DDA official said. “Work on the remaining water bodies will be undertaken in a phased manner,” the official said.

Dead and deteriorating water bodies will be taken up in the first phase for rejuvenation through dredging, excavation and desilting, besides the clearance of catchment areas to ensure maximum rainwater recharge. “Once revived, the second phase will include strengthening embankments, plantation drives, construction of fencing and beautification work,” the official said.

Forty-eight smaller water bodies, including those in outer Delhi and south-west Delhi areas such as Baprola, Ghitorni, Chirag Delhi, Kapashera and Bawana, requiring excavation and desilting will be restored within 60 days. After that, work will begin on 23 larger water bodies in Burari, Mahipalpur, Hiranki, Alipur, Nangli Pur, Samaypur and other areas.