AMC in process to revive 19 ponds by setting up STPs near them

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) aims to rejuvenate the city’s deteriorated lakes with treated sewage water. Out of the 122 lakes in the city, the AMC has sought the central government’s assistance to restore 19 under the National Lake Conservation Plan (NCLP). The strategy involves constructing dedicated sewage treatment plants (STPs) near these lakes to supply them with treated sewage water.

“We’re in the initial stages of preparing detailed project reports (DPR) for 16 lakes,” shared a senior AMC official.

Priority will be given to lakes spanning over 10 hectares in the first phase. This includes lakes such as Shilaj Lake (18.18 hectares), Makarba Lake (11.03 hectares), and Ramol Lake (10 hectares).

The second phase will target the development of a total of 16 lakes, ranging in area from 3 to 10 hectares. This includes lakes near Vaishnodevi, Gota, Khoraj highway, Chandkheda, Thaltej, Hebatpur, Chharodi, Tragad, Kathwada, Nikol, Sola, Ognaj, and Jagatpur.

The project’s overall cost will be divided between the central and state governments in a 7:3 ratio, with the center covering 70% of the expenses. The comprehensive project encompasses nine vital aspects, including stormwater drainage networks, afforestation, ecological development around lakes, desilting, lake expansion, bioremediation aeration, nutrient reduction, successful ecological initiatives, solid waste management, and public awareness campaigns. DeshGujarat