The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to independently collect and analyze water samples from Kitchener Lake in Dhaula Kuan, on an application that raised questions on claims made by the Delhi Development Corporation (DDA) that the lake has been cleaned and revived.
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The petition claims the lake is still choked with algae
The NGT is hearing a petition filed by the Society for the Protection of Culture, Heritage, Environment and Traditions and the Promotion of National Awareness (SP-CHETNA). The petition claimed that the lake – which covers an area of about 66 acres just behind Daula Kwan MRT station – was completely covered in algae, leaving no visible water spot.
In a report submitted last April, the Department of Disarmament Affairs said biological remediation measures had been taken, with a submission before the final hearing confirming that the lake had been revived and functioning well. However, at the final hearing on 21 May, the applicant objected to the photographs provided by the DDA, arguing in court that the photographs shown were not of Lake Kitchener but of a nearby lake, and that Lake Kitchener remained in poor condition.
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NGT seeks clarification
After taking cognizance of the objection, the NGT allowed the DDA to file an additional affidavit explaining the issue surrounding the photographs.
“To ascertain the water quality status of Kitchener Lake, we have directed the DPCC to collect the sample from Kitchener Lake and conduct water sample analysis and submit the report to the court,” said the bench, headed by NGT Chairman Justice Prakash Shrivastava and comprising expert members Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmed.
This case is scheduled to be heard on September 1.
Meanwhile, the DDA informed the court that routine cleaning of the lake is continuing and the existing maintenance contract remains in force until July 31, 2026, after which a fresh tender will be floated to ensure uninterrupted maintenance.
