Revival of Badkal Lake at Faridabad: An Urgent Call for Action by Municipal Corporation of Faridabad and the Haryana Government for Ecological, Environmental, and Legacy Restoration.(Faridabad - My City - Greener and Cleaner City without Water Scarcity - Let's Work towards it).

Executive Summary:

Badkal Lake, once a significant water body and ecological asset of Faridabad, has slowly vanished due to neglect, urbanization, and inadequate environmental management. The lake, which historically served as an important water source and a key element of Faridabad’s cultural legacy, is now a desiccated patch. With growing concerns over water scarcity, ecological imbalance, and the loss of heritage, it is crucial that the Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF) and the Haryana Government step in to revive Badkal Lake. This action plan lays out a comprehensive roadmap for its restoration for the betterment of Faridabad’s ecology, environment, and water management systems, while also preserving its cultural legacy.

1. Importance of Reviving Badkal Lake

• Ecological Value: Badkal Lake used to provide habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. It played a role in maintaining the region’s biodiversity.
• Water Scarcity Solution: The revival of the lake could contribute to Faridabad’s water needs, providing natural groundwater recharge.
• Environmental Impact: A restored lake would improve air quality, reduce heat island effects, and increase local green cover.
• Cultural and Legacy Significance: As a historical site, Badkal Lake is part of the local community’s identity. Its revival will restore Faridabad’s legacy and improve its aesthetic and tourist appeal.

2. Key Objectives of the Revival Plan

• Restoring the water body to its original state and increasing the water retention capacity.
• Ecological Restoration: Reintroducing native plant and animal species and improving biodiversity.
• Water Management and Groundwater Recharge: Using the lake to enhance local groundwater levels and mitigate water scarcity.
• Community Engagement: Involving local communities in the conservation and management of the lake.
• Sustainable Tourism Development: Transforming the lake into a recreational space that contributes to local economy.

3. Action Plan for Reviving Badkal Lake

Phase 1: Preliminary Assessment and Planning (3-6 months)

• Site Survey and Hydrological Study:
  Conduct a comprehensive hydrological assessment to understand the water flow, recharge potential, and current water levels. This will help in creating a tailored plan for water retention and management.

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
  Prepare an EIA report to understand the restoration impacts on the local environment, biodiversity, and any unintended consequences.

• Stakeholder Consultation:
  Hold consultations with local communities, environmental NGOs, and stakeholders to gather input on the restoration process and ensure public buy-in.

• Legal and Policy Review:
  Review existing land use policies and environmental regulations to align the project with legal frameworks.

Phase 2: Infrastructure Development & Restoration Work (6-12 months)

• Dredging and Excavation:
  The first step in the actual restoration will be to remove silt and debris accumulated in the lake bed over the years. This will restore the lake’s water holding capacity.

• Recharging the Lake:
  Depending on the availability of water resources, options such as rainwater harvesting, surface water inflow, or even water diversion may be considered to refill the lake.

• Stormwater Drainage Management:
  To prevent further siltation, implement proper stormwater drainage systems to ensure that water flowing into the lake is filtered and clean.

• Shoreline Restoration:
  Reinforce the lake's embankments with bio-engineering methods (e.g., planting native grass and shrubs) to prevent erosion and improve the aesthetic appeal.

Phase 3: Ecological Restoration and Green Cover (12-18 months)

• Revegetation:
  Introduce native aquatic plants, shrubs, and trees along the lake perimeter to improve water quality and restore ecological balance. This will also create habitats for local wildlife and increase biodiversity.

• Wildlife and Birdlife Habitat Restoration:
  Attract local species by creating bird-friendly zones, nesting areas, and by providing safe spaces for animals to return.

• Water Quality Monitoring:
  Install monitoring stations to track water quality regularly, ensuring a healthy aquatic ecosystem as the lake is revived.

Phase 4: Community Engagement and Awareness (Ongoing)

• Public Education Programs:
  Develop educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of the lake and engage local communities in its upkeep.

• Community-driven Lake Management:
  Involve local residents, NGOs, and environmental groups in the ongoing maintenance of the lake. Establish a Lake Management Authority for long-term governance and care.

• Tourism Development:
  Create visitor-friendly infrastructure such as walking trails, viewing platforms, and educational centers to promote eco-tourism while ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Phase 5: Long-Term Sustainability and Monitoring (Ongoing)

• Sustainable Water Use Policies:
  Enforce policies that restrict over-extraction of water from the lake and promote its sustainable use for local communities.

• Continuous Monitoring:
  Set up an environmental monitoring system to regularly assess the lake’s water quality, biodiversity health, and hydrological performance.

• Periodic Reporting and Adjustments:
  Regularly update the public on the restoration progress and make necessary adjustments to the management plan based on monitoring results.

4. Budget Estimates and Funding Sources

• Government Funding:
  The Haryana Government and MCF should allocate budget for initial phases, with possible contributions from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and National Mission on Clean Ganga (NMCG).

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP):
  Involve private entities in funding for infrastructure development, tourism, and management via PPP models.

• NGO and International Donors:
  Environmental organizations and international donors could be invited to fund restoration programs, especially in terms of biodiversity and community engagement.

5. Conclusion:

Reviving Badkal Lake is not just about restoring a water body; it is a comprehensive solution to Faridabad’s water scarcity, ecological imbalances, and environmental degradation. The revival will contribute significantly to the sustainable future of Faridabad by providing water, enhancing green spaces, and boosting local biodiversity. More importantly, it will preserve the legacy of the city’s heritage and ensure that future generations can benefit from this historical landmark.