Madhya Pradesh : Sagars Lakha Banjara Lake creates a unique identity in the state through conservation and beautification
Sagar city has been identified across the country and the state with its historical heritage Lakha Banjara Lake. This lake is also the main water source of Sagar city. In the Smart City Mission of the Urban Administration and Housing Department, the conservation and beautification work of Lakha Banjara Lake has been done at a cost of Rs 111 crore 33 lakh. This historical lake of Sagar city has emerged in front of the city dwellers in its thrilling new form after rejuvenation by Sagar Smart City Limited. Events like Jal Ganga Aarti in the temples on the lake shore will also enhance the religious and spiritual sentiments among the citizens. On the other hand, facilities like ultramodern sports and entertainment will provide mental and physical comfort to the tourists. Employment and means of income will get a boost with the arrival of tourists.
Drain tapping was done by laying 5.5 km of pipeline to clean the lake
In the Smart City project, scientific and technical work has been done in Lakha Banjara Lake spread over a vast area of 400 acres. Hydraulic survey has been undertaken for the conservation of the lake. Through the survey, information was collected about the depth of water at various places of the lake, physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the lake. Keeping in mind the biodiversity of the lake, the quality of the lake water was tested in the lab. In the lab report, the turbidity value of the lake water was found to be more than 82 JTU, which should not be more than 2.5 JTU. Therefore to conserve the lake, the work of conservation of the lake through gravity was started by completely emptying the lake water. The polluted water coming from a total of 41 drains including 4 big and 37 small drains connected to the periphery of the lake was prevented from mixing into the lake. For this, drain tapping work was done by laying 5.5 km of pipeline in the lake periphery. Thus, about 2 MLD of greywater sewerage dirty water has been stopped.
Treatment plant for use of contaminated water
A waste water treatment plant of 4 MLD capacity has been set up towards Monga Badhan to reuse the dirty water around the lake. Arrangements have been made to use the treated water for irrigation of plants on the lake shore through drip irrigation line. Arrangements have been made to use the contaminated material obtained from water treatment as fertilizer. In the process of emptying and drying the lake, 8 lakh cubic meters of silt was taken out of the lake. This has increased the depth of the lake as well as the groundwater conservation capacity. Due to this, the level of underground water around the lake has also increased.
Work of beautification of the lake
A systematic path-way of about 5 kilometers has been constructed by installing flags and cobble stones on the shore of the lake. Beautiful plantations and attractive artifacts have been installed all around the lake. With the construction of a path-way along the lake, the citizens of the city will be able to undertake morning and evening walks. Sluice gates have been built to bring the water level of the lake to the prescribed level when it rises during the rains. A paedestrian bridge has also been constructed on the Monga Dam. 8 ghats including a huge 400 meter ghat from Chakraghat to Ganeshghat have been rebuilt with red stone.
Installation of the statue
The statue of Lakha Banjara, who built this huge lake of Sagar, has been installed near Deendayal Chowk in the city. To make the lake safe from all sides, a boundary wall has been constructed by installing high iron grills. To make the view of the lake attractive and safe at night, attractive lighting and high mast light have been installed with street lights on the path-way. For the beautification of the lake, development work has been done on different themes on its banks. The series of ancient temples from Ganeshghat to Chakraghat and the outer walls of the historical fort of Sagar have been made attractive by painting. 4 big chhatris and 9 Navgrah mandaps have been constructed with red stone. A sports zone has also been constructed on the banks of the lake.
Development of Jal Vihar
Monga Bandhan and recreational facilities have been developed at the main entrance of the lake. Paddleboats, motor boats and huge cruises have been provided to the citizens for Jal Vihar. Food zones for traditional food have been created on the banks of the lake.