Having been neglected for decades, Moti Jheel and Jamuna Jheel — the two interconnected water bodies in Lucknow — is in for the much-needed facelift.

The state government has decided to revive the lakes and protect their flora and fauna by stopping the discharge of untreated urban sewage. The government has assigned the task to the Lucknow Development Authority and released Rs 9 crore in the first phase to start the dredging and cleaning up of the lake surface. The entire project, which will include pollution control measures and beautification, will require Rs 24 crore.

While Jamuna Jheel is spread over 22 acre, Moti Jheel covers 10.3 acre. Together, the interconnected lake constitutes the largest waterbody in Lucknow.

Both lakes are in a bad condition with sewage being discharged and garbage being dumped in the lake. Due to pollution, incidents of mass death of fish have been reported several times. Water hyacinth has covered the lakes’ surface at several places.  

The Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee has been asked to conduct hydrological and limnological studies to ascertain the existing pollution levels, the biological oxygen demand and the chemical oxygen demand of the lakes in order to devise measures for their revival.

The Authority has tied up with the Delhi-based Space Design Consultants to prepare a detailed project report of the entire plan, including the beautification plans.  

The LDA Vice-Chairman, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, said: “To prevent further encroachment and garbage dumping, both the lakes will be protected by building a boundary wall.”

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