In a significant move highlighting environmental concerns, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has formally requested urgent intervention to save a crucial water structure on its campus. The university has written to the Delhi Irrigation and Flood Control Department, seeking an immediate technical survey and repair of a man-made check dam that is showing signs of deterioration.
An Ecological Lifeline in Peril
In a letter dated December 11, the university emphasized the dam's critical role. Located in the Pashchimabad area of the campus, which sits on the southern tail-end of the Aravali Ridge, the structure plays a "vital ecological and hydrological role" not just for JNU but for the surrounding regions. The university warned that water bodies sustaining its extensive green cover are drying up, directly linking the dam's health to the campus ecosystem.
JNU officials pointed out that the check dam is essential for recharging groundwater, maintaining soil moisture, and supporting the lush greenery. "It is also a perennial source of drinking water for wildlife and a seasonal habitat for migratory birds, thereby enhancing the ecological richness of the area," the letter stated. The degradation of the dam has led to a marked decline in its capacity to replenish groundwater.
JNU's Green Legacy and Current Challenges
The university takes pride in its environmental stewardship, having voluntarily designated nearly 30% of its 1,019-acre campus as ‘reserved green’ where construction is banned. This forested belt acts as one of the green lungs for Delhi, a role that has gained sharp focus amid the city's severe pollution crisis and debates over the degradation of the Aravalis mountain range.
The timing of this request is crucial. The Aravalis are known to help control dust, regulate wind flow, and mitigate air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. As mining and encroachment threaten the larger mountain chain, preserving micro-ecosystems like JNU's becomes even more important. The campus hosts rich biodiversity, including:
- Peacocks and nilgai
- Jackals and reptiles
- Migratory birds and diverse native flora
Officials revealed that JNU has around 11 to 12 natural and artificial water bodies across its campus, many requiring urgent care. A recently formed animal welfare society within the university is actively pushing for their revival.
Securing the Green Buffer
In a related step to protect its ecology, JNU has also written to the Ridge Management Board. The university has proposed building boundary walls around the forested sections of the campus. Currently, the forest lacks a continuous boundary or gated access, which increases risks of human intrusion into sensitive areas and forces wildlife to stray out in search of food and water.
The dual strategy is clear: restoring check dams and water bodies will ensure animals have resources within the campus, while a boundary wall will protect biodiversity, prevent encroachment, and reduce human-wildlife conflict. However, the university is yet to receive a response from the concerned authorities for either request.
This initiative underscores the growing recognition of urban green spaces as essential ecological buffers. As Delhi grapples with environmental challenges, the health of small but vital structures like the JNU check dam could have a larger impact on the city's fight for cleaner air and sustainable water resources.
