URBAN WATER BODY RESTORATION FOR DELHI-NCT A REVIEW OF DECLINE TO REVIVAL

Water bodies play a very crucial role in urban ecosystems. They are used to replenish the groundwater, control the microclimate, and sustain biodiversity and are used in social and cultural environments. In NCT of Delhi, numerous traditional lakes, ponds, and wetlands have been degraded over the last decades. This has mostly been a result of urbanization, sewage discharges, and the fact that institutions have not made efforts to restore it. This review examines the previous research available with field observations and geospatial analysis to examine the challenges and opportunities in the restoration of these water bodies. It brings out three general categories of interventions. The first is engineered measures through desilting and wastewater diversion. The second is concerned with ecological approaches, such as bioremediation and rejuvenation of wetlands. The third focuses on the practices of community-related practices, which are based on local involvement. The paper also focuses on governance and policy issues besides technical solutions. It also consists of duplication of duties between agencies and lax enforcement in Delhi. The research proposes better legislative clarity, institutional collaboration, participation in governance, and climate-sensitive planning. It concludes that managing the water bodies of Delhi would continue to be a challenge unless the ecological processes, the modern technology, and reforms in governance are integrated. A community-based framework is suggested as an effective measure to coordinate local restoration with larger Sustainable Development Goals.