Agra: Taking cognizance of decreasing ground water level, Uttar Pradesh government has started working towards conservation of water bodies in cities. Old lakes, ponds and canals will be rejuvenated. In this regard ministry of urban development has sought details from all civic bodies. The plan is to make water bodies suitable for water conservation. Civic bodies have also been asked to identify and send reports of illegal encroachments on ponds and lakes in the city area.A senior official of the state urban development ministry, said, “In the recent years, rapid urbanization has taken place in major cities resulting in heavy depletion of ground water. Besides this, a large number of complaints on encroachments on ponds and lakes have surfaced. Therefore a plan has been developed for the conservation of water bodies in urban areas.” Under the plan, a pathway will be developed around existing ponds and lakes. Arrangement of illumination will be made around water bodies and dense plantation will be conducted. Planned efforts will be made for rain water harvesting. Arrangements will be made for treatment of sewers and nullahs discharging at water bodies. Pond land will be freed from all encroachments and retaining walls be developed.According to the plan, after the conservation of ponds and lakes the entire responsibility of maintenance will be of the urban local body. However the state government may fund the maintenance work for first five year.

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