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A new deal for Nizamuddin area

Sandeep Joshi

MCD to sign pact to clean and beautify the polluted Bara Pullah Nallah

NEW DELHI: In a step that could help bring down the pollution levels in the Yamuna considerably, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi is all set to sign a pact with the famous Aga Khan Foundation to clean and beautify the Bara Pullah Nallah -- one of the most polluted drains in the Capital.

The Foundation has shown keen interest in cleaning up the 23-km drain, which will be a part of the rehabilitation of Nizamuddin Basti in South Delhi and restoration of some ancient monuments in the area through its sister organisation, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, said Delhi Mayor Farhad Suri.

Stating that they have already held negotiations with the Foundation that has asked for some documents before finalising a draft plan, Mr. Suri said the project includes setting up of three to four sewage treatment plants (STPs) on the last 4-5-km stretch of the drain and reclaiming land from the drain for plantation and beautification.

"Initially a retaining wall will be built along the drain to reclaim land after which plantation and beautification work will begin. The STPs will not only process sewage but also produce recycled water that will be used for watering plants along the drain and in nearby parks," the Mayor said.

One of the main problems was non-existence of sewage line connecting homes along the drains, mainly in Nizamuddin Basti. A proposal is also being prepared where the area MLA Tajdar Babar has agreed to give the Delhi Jal Board money from her area development fund to lay sewage lines to these homes, Mr. Suri said.

Stating that beautification and greenery would attract a wide variety of birds to this place as it used a few decades ago, the Mayor said the entire project might take a couple of months to take off. "We also want to make it a financially viable project for which the Foundation has also been urged to draw up a plan so that some funds are generated from it to meet the project's future needs."

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