IIT Roorkee lends expertise for sustainable maintenance of Purana Qila lake

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has lent its expertise for rejuvenating and maintaining the Purana Qila lake. The institute plans to minimise seepage of the lake water by lining the lake bed with an impermeable membrane of Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymer and through a well-designed rainwater harvesting and ground water recharge system and creating a sustainable habitat. 

The Purana Qila Lake is spread over 7 acres of land.

The Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTDC) maintained water in the lake for boating from 2012 to 2017. But, an IIT Roorkee team analysed the site details and found that the water that was maintained for boating was of poor quality and had excessive algal growth. 

The IIT Roorkee team led by Prof Bhanu Prakash Vellanki analysed the site and recommended a plan of action. 

Vellanki said, "Laying of the 1.5mm EPDM membrane below the lake bed was advised to reduce the seepage to the subsurface drastically. Synthetic liners such as the EPDM membrane have been extensively used in the West for the creation of artificial ponds for aesthetic purposes, canal lining, reducing seepage of lake, aquaculture pond lining, swimming pool lining, etc. Based on various preliminary calculations, we came to the conclusion that the lake is not prone to flooding during peak rainfall events. To counteract the effects, if any, of minimal infiltration through the lake after lining, rainwater harvesting structures and infiltration galleries were recommended at suitable locations."