INTACH Uncovers Historical Waterbody in Delhi Through 1932 Map Analysis
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has made a significant discovery by identifying a nearly 2-mile-long waterbody marked on a 1932 map to the north of Bhalswa Lake in northwest Delhi. This finding emerged during INTACH's recent exhibition titled 'The Romance of Old Maps: Tracing Lost Landscapes,' which showcased cartographic evolution from 1807 to 1984.
Current State and Revival Potential of the Site
The area, located around present-day Kadipur, has largely been built over according to current satellite imagery. However, INTACH's investigation reveals that a depression spanning nearly 10 acres remains visible at the site, indicating potential for lake restoration. In a detailed letter to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), INTACH principal director Manu Bhatnagar highlighted that public land is available to the northwest of this depression.
The proposal suggests that the lake could be recovered and the adjacent public land transformed into a small biodiversity reserve or urban forest. This initiative would benefit local residents while providing space for compensatory plantation of approximately 8,000 trees. Bhatnagar emphasized that the area's natural contour facilitates water collection, though he noted that concerted efforts by authorities are essential for rejuvenation and preservation.
Historical Context and Previous Successes
Historical maps displayed at the exhibition illustrate how this waterbody was once massive, part of a broader pattern where Delhi's natural systems, waterbodies, and routes have been altered or erased over time. These maps document the steady replacement of forests and wetlands with concrete structures throughout the city's development.
This is not INTACH's first such discovery. A few years ago, the organization identified another waterbody in Tikri Khurd in northwest Delhi's Narela through similar map analysis. After INTACH petitioned the National Green Tribunal, authorities were directed to revive that waterbody, demonstrating the potential impact of such initiatives.
Challenges and Next Steps
Despite the promising proposal, no response has been received from the Delhi Development Authority regarding INTACH's latest recommendation. The organization continues to advocate for the preservation and restoration of Delhi's natural heritage, blending historical research with contemporary environmental concerns.
The exhibition featured maps pulled from INTACH archives, tracing the cartographic evolution of Delhi's landscape. These documents serve as crucial evidence of environmental changes and provide a foundation for restoration efforts aimed at reclaiming lost natural features for ecological and community benefit.
