Saving lakes in Delhi NCR region
For more than 3 years now, HCL Foundation has been collaborating with Green Yatra to rejuvenate lakes & ponds around Delhi NCR region. The partnership began in 2019 with the restoration of Chauganpur lake which was flled with invasive weeds, garbage thrown by locals and with little to no sign of life. The lake is now a site of thriving wildlife and community space. Similarly, Salempur pond used to food the village during monsoons. Green Yatra increased the depth of the pond by 12 Feet to increase its water holding capacity. The restoration work also involves local communities and engagement with local government bodies like Gram Panchayats. From the beginning, a Chaupal (meeting) is organised in the presence of the Gram Pradhan, reputed locals & all the villagers to raise awareness on water body conservation. Once the lake is rejuvenated, it offers various opportunities to the local community like water chestnut farming, fisheries, irrigation purposes, groundwater recharge, etc. The partnership now includes many lakes and ponds like Azampur Gadi lake, Rampur Lake, Kot Lake, Roopwas Lake, etc. to name a few.