New Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has initiated plans to restore the depression at Kamla Nehru Ridge by converting it into a water body, complementing ongoing restoration efforts. The project involves channelling rainwater from adjacent areas through a network of pipelines. This initiative was approved following a site visit by lieutenant governor VK Saxena.The inspection primarily focused on revitalising the open green lungs of Kamla Nehru Ridge, which serve thousands of residents from densely populated neighbourhoods such as Kamla Nagar, Malka Ganj, Delhi University, Shakti Nagar, Civil Lines, and Mall Road.“Upon noticing a large dry depression within the ridge, the LG instructed officials to connect it with channels and pipelines from nearby waterlogged areas like Malka Ganj and Civil Lines. This will ensure excess rainwater is directed into the depression, creating a new water body. A similar project in Roshanara Bagh successfully replenished its lake and mitigated waterlogging,” said an official.Saxena also noted the poor condition of the kachha paths, gym equipment, boundary walls, and historical monuments like ‘Bonta’ within the ridge. He reviewed recent works and expressed satisfaction with the laying of porous jute carpeting on pathways and walking tracks, urging that the remaining restoration be completed swiftly.The inspection also addressed persistent waterlogging on Delhi roads, with Public Works Department (PWD) officials present. The LG directed accelerated remedial actions.A key directive was to implement a robust rainwater harvesting system. “Three-foot diameter pipelines should be laid from footpaths directly into the Kamla Nehru Ridge forest, channelling excess rainwater into the Ridge ecosystem for conservation and groundwater recharge. These pipes should extend about four feet inside the Ridge’s boundary to effectively divert surface water,” an official said.Footpaths on Rajpur Road are to be repaired to a uniform width of two metres, with similar repairs planned along the Delhi University routes. Additional instructions included pruning trees, fixing manhole covers, adding secondary covers to water tapping pits, and relocating electric poles obstructing roads. All work is to be completed within seven days.Beyond monsoon preparedness, directions were issued to clear excess foliage, hanging wires, redundant cables, dead wood, and other encumbrances along the Ridge’s boundary wall. The LG had earlier visited the Ridge on March 21, directing ecological improvements such as covering walking tracks with biodegradable jute mats.
