Gurugram plans to develop 20 ponds as tourist spots

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

The Gurugram administration has decided to develop 20 ponds as premium tourist spots, in order to expand the city’s tourist ecosystem and make some money while conserving groundwater.

The administration, which is now revitalising roughly 75 ponds under the Amrit Sarovar programme, has chosen to grant a ‘double premium’ upgrade to 20ponds in order to make them more tourist-friendly and income generating.

According to the proposal, the administration would implement a seven-pronged strategy to change these ponds. The officials will plant trees to green the region, build pathways, cultivate wetlands to attract migrating birds and local species, establish fences and benches, install solar lights, and even build step ghats and cow ghats.

“The ponds were being rejuvenated earlier to revive lost water bodies, enhance the water table and re-establish rural aqua infrastructure. However, along the way, we realised the need and scope of aqua-tourist spots and the potential these water bodies hold for being those. We have drawn up a detailed plan to transform those. They will be like mini-lakes where people can go for family outings, strolls etc. This will also help us revive the native flora and fauna. We have identified few potential spots and will identify few more,” said DC Nishant Yadav.

The renovation has already begun in Pataudi block’s Parsoli village pond.

The administration is now examining the ponds based on their size and plans to provide bridge walkways and boats wherever possible. It is also receiving assistance from the Wildlife Department in identifying prospective wetlands for development.

“We already have some natural wetlands and every year the number and variety of migratory birds has been increasing in Sultanpur and nearby wetlands. If we manage to develop a similar ecosystem, Gurugram can be a bird’s paradise and we can land on the birding map of the country. We will be roping in experts for it,” added Nishant Yadav.

Local villagers are also being canvassed about upgrading the ponds, and the administration intends to make it a community project by incorporating them in not only repair but also upkeep and future commercialization following development as a tourist destination.

Previously, the Gurugram government had begun the redevelopment of the district’s Damdama lake. It is being developed as a water-sports destination. Kayaking and canoeing shelters have been established by the government. A similar metamorphosis is underway in Badkhal Lake in the Faridabad district.

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