Work on constructing 10 waterbodies in the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary, Delhi, is progressing, according to a report submitted by the on December 4, 2024. The report was filed in compliance with a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order issued on May 10, 2024.
A joint inspection was conducted on June 11, 2024 to review the construction of the waterbodies in the forested area of the sanctuary in South Delhi district. Officials from the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Forest Department and Wetland Authority of Delhi participated in the inspection.
The Department of Forest and Wildlife’s South Division submitted a detailed report on the construction of 10 new waterbodies in Maidan Garhi, Sahoopur and Satbari areas. These areas have experienced significant groundwater depletion over the past decade.
The Forest Department’s report stated that the construction of the waterbodies is being carried out in two phases. Tasks such as tree plantation around the waterbodies, dredging, and proper bunding have been completed in many locations. Additionally, doob grass (a native grass species) and shrubs have been planted on the bunds at several sites.
The court was hearing a case concerning the conservation of monsoon water through refurbished wetlands in the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary and the South Forest Division under the Delhi Forest and Wildlife Department. A news report published in the newspaper The Times of India on March 12, 2024 highlighted that officials had identified 10 major wetlands in South Delhi’s forest areas for this purpose.
