3-stage restoration planned for Sultanate-era reservoir

The Hauz-i-Shamsi - a reservoir in Mehrauli built by 13th century Delhi Sultanate ruler Shamsuddin Iltutmish due to a dream has seen better days. Once, it covered over a hundred acres and was lined with red sandstone. Now, it is spread across a 7.05-acre land, according to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the red sandstone is missing, its banks are fenced, and occasionally home to heaps of garbage.

- Aheli Das

By the end of 2024, however, the reservoir, which is protected by ASI, might reclaim its lost glory. ASI, along with Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS), an NGO, has taken up the project of restoring Hauz-iShamsi, popularly known as Shamsi Talab.

"The revival of the 13th century reservoir will be done in three stages, the first of which was concluded in the first week of February. From September to November last year, and then again, this month, we removed around 300 tonnes of water hyacinth, duckweed and algae from the reservoir," said an on-ground team member of SEEDS, Delhi.

The second stage of the restoration will involve bacteria treatment and will commence in April. "Then we will move to the third stage, which will ensure that sewage water from neighbouring pipelines does not get leaked into the reservoir. We will also clean up the banks and tighten the fence around it to discourage people from throwing their garbage here," said the member. According to the detailed project report, which has been approved by stakeholders such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, ASI, and the Delhi Jal Board, the restoration work should be complete by late 2024-early 2025.