1. General information
2. Objectives of the intervention
Goals of the intervention
The overall goal of the project was to restore the Neela Hauz lake, part of the Neela Hauz biodiversity park, to its original state (Ref 1, 2).
Specific goals of the intervention include:
1. Development of a Constructed Wetland System (CWS) to treat sewage water through bioremediation. (Ref 1, 2, 3)
2. Desilting of the lake bed to enhance the storage capacity of the lake. (Ref 1)
3. To support a variety of aquatic birds and contribute to the ecological health of the biodiversity park.
4. To maintain the ecological balance in the biodiversity park by planting native tree species.
5. To improve the aesthetics by "landscaping the area and creation of mounts that offer a picturesque view of the area" (Ref 3);
Specific goals of the intervention include:
1. Development of a Constructed Wetland System (CWS) to treat sewage water through bioremediation. (Ref 1, 2, 3)
2. Desilting of the lake bed to enhance the storage capacity of the lake. (Ref 1)
3. To support a variety of aquatic birds and contribute to the ecological health of the biodiversity park.
4. To maintain the ecological balance in the biodiversity park by planting native tree species.
5. To improve the aesthetics by "landscaping the area and creation of mounts that offer a picturesque view of the area" (Ref 3);
Quantitative targets
- Usage of 20 different types of aquatic plant species to improve water quality. (Ref 1)
- Treatment of a million litres of sewage from the nearby neighbourhood. (Ref 3)
- Treatment of a million litres of sewage from the nearby neighbourhood. (Ref 3)
Monitoring indicators defined
- The dissolved oxygen (DO) level and BOD level. (Ref 1)
- Number of species of birds recorded. (Ref 1)
- Number and type of native trees and shrubs in the biodiversity park. (Ref 3)
- Number of existing and newly planted native species. (Ref 3)
- Number of species of birds recorded. (Ref 1)
- Number and type of native trees and shrubs in the biodiversity park. (Ref 3)
- Number of existing and newly planted native species. (Ref 3)
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets?
Implementation activities
The lake was critical to maintain water levels in south Delhi, especially the Mehrauli block, where the water table
had fallen drastically. It was decided to use raw sewage mixed with STP-treated water to maintain water levels in the lake since it is otherwise dependent solely on rainwater. Desiltation of the lake had increased the lake's depth and ability to store water. The silted materials were used for the landscaping in the area and for creating mounts to allow recreation and tourism (Ref 1, 3). A system of constructed wetlands was developed comprised of two open oxidation ponds and three physical treatment plants with different gradient channels and a mix of pebbles, gravels, and furrows with aquatic plants (Ref 1). The raw sewage and STP-treated water (designated as wastewater) passed through a constructed wetland system before it enters the lake. (Ref 2). More than 10,000 native species were planted by 4000 students and locals (Ref 2). This process uses zero energy natural process to clean sewage water and utilize this as the main source of the lake's input. The water is purified by storing raw sewage in vacant land for oxidation and aerobic digestion and storing sewage water in ponds with a variety of aquatic plants capable of removing toxic chemicals (Ref 1, 2, 3). The implementation activities also include developing walking trails around the lake with proper sitting areas for recreation (Ref 3). After the revival of the wetland, the site is now used as an example of ecological restoration for educational purposes (Ref 3).
had fallen drastically. It was decided to use raw sewage mixed with STP-treated water to maintain water levels in the lake since it is otherwise dependent solely on rainwater. Desiltation of the lake had increased the lake's depth and ability to store water. The silted materials were used for the landscaping in the area and for creating mounts to allow recreation and tourism (Ref 1, 3). A system of constructed wetlands was developed comprised of two open oxidation ponds and three physical treatment plants with different gradient channels and a mix of pebbles, gravels, and furrows with aquatic plants (Ref 1). The raw sewage and STP-treated water (designated as wastewater) passed through a constructed wetland system before it enters the lake. (Ref 2). More than 10,000 native species were planted by 4000 students and locals (Ref 2). This process uses zero energy natural process to clean sewage water and utilize this as the main source of the lake's input. The water is purified by storing raw sewage in vacant land for oxidation and aerobic digestion and storing sewage water in ponds with a variety of aquatic plants capable of removing toxic chemicals (Ref 1, 2, 3). The implementation activities also include developing walking trails around the lake with proper sitting areas for recreation (Ref 3). After the revival of the wetland, the site is now used as an example of ecological restoration for educational purposes (Ref 3).
3. NBS domains, ES and scale
4. Governance and financing
5. Innovation
Type of innovation
Please specify technological innovation
The NBS intervention at Neela Hauz is a technological innovation, specifically a product and process innovation. The intervention used a constructed wetland system to treat sewage water and improve water quality, which involved physical treatment plants, oxidation ponds, and furrows and ridges with aquatic plants. The process of treating sewage water using the constructed wetland system is a new and innovative way of improving water quality. (Ref 1, 2)
Novelty level of the innovation
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
The sources do not mention if the Neela Hauz Biodiversity Park initiative was influenced by previous initiatives or if it was completely new without connections to previous initiatives.
Replicability/Transferability
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
The regeneration model has proved so successful that officials have submitted the concept to the Delhi Jal Board for implementation in other water bodies across Delhi. (Ref 1)
