Time and neglect have altered Damdama Lake in Gurugram. But it still holds promise

Damdama Lake, nestled in the Aravalli hills near Gurugram, Haryana, once stood as a picturesque natural reservoir and a popular weekend getaway for residents of the National Capital Region (NCR). Formed by an embankment constructed by the British in 1947 to collect monsoon rainwater, it was a vital source of water for irrigation and a rich biodiversity hotspot, attracting numerous migratory birds and offering boating and adventure sports. Its initial allure lay in its serene environment and proximity to a rapidly urbanizing Delhi, providing a much-needed green lung and recreational space.

Over the past few decades, however, this once-vibrant ecosystem has fallen victim to severe environmental degradation. The article rightly points out that "time and neglect" have fundamentally altered its character. What happened is a classic tale of rapid, unplanned urbanization clashing with environmental preservation. The explosive growth of Gurugram, a major economic hub in the NCR, led to immense pressure on natural resources. Encroachment on the lake's catchment area, unchecked waste dumping from surrounding villages and commercial establishments, discharge of untreated sewage, and excessive groundwater extraction for construction and urban needs have systematically choked the lake. Siltation from denuded Aravalli slopes further reduced its capacity, while invasive species often took root, altering the native flora and fauna. The consequence is a shrinking, polluted, and often dry lakebed, a stark contrast to its former glory.

Several key stakeholders are involved in this environmental tragedy. The **Haryana Government**, particularly its urban development authorities like the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and local municipal bodies, bears primary responsibility for urban planning, waste management, and environmental regulation enforcement. Their oversight and sometimes inaction have been critical factors. The **National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB)**, established in 1985 under the NCR Planning Board Act, is tasked with planning the balanced and harmonized development of the NCR, including environmental protection. Its regional plans often struggle with implementation challenges at the local level. **Local communities**, including villagers and urban residents, are both victims and contributors to the degradation, through their daily practices and lack of awareness or alternatives. **Real estate developers** and industries, driven by economic motives, have often pushed the boundaries of sustainable development. Finally, **environmental activists and NGOs** frequently act as watchdogs, raising awareness and advocating for conservation, sometimes even undertaking restoration efforts.

This situation matters significantly for India for several reasons. Environmentally, the degradation of Damdama Lake signifies the loss of a crucial wetland ecosystem, impacting local biodiversity, disrupting migratory bird patterns, and reducing groundwater recharge, which is vital for the water-stressed NCR. Socially, it represents the loss of a valuable public recreational space, impacting the quality of life and mental well-being of millions of urban dwellers. Economically, the decline of eco-tourism potential and the costs associated with potential restoration are substantial. More broadly, it highlights critical issues in **environmental governance** and **urban planning** across India. The inability to protect such a prominent natural asset in the economically vibrant NCR underscores systemic failures in enforcing environmental laws, ensuring inter-agency coordination, and prioritizing sustainable development over short-term economic gains.

From a constitutional perspective, the protection of the environment is enshrined in India's legal framework. **Article 48A** of the Directive Principles of State Policy mandates that "The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country." Furthermore, **Article 51A(g)** lists it as a Fundamental Duty of every citizen to "protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures." Specific legislative instruments like the **Environment (Protection) Act, 1986**, and the **Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974**, provide the legal teeth for environmental conservation. Additionally, the **Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017**, are directly relevant, as Damdama Lake would fall under the definition of a wetland, necessitating its protection and wise use. The neglect of Damdama Lake represents a failure to uphold both constitutional mandates and statutory provisions.

Looking ahead, the future implications are clear: without immediate and concerted action, Damdama Lake risks becoming a mere memory. Its restoration would require a multi-pronged approach: strict enforcement against pollution and encroachment, desiltation, afforestation of its catchment area, sustainable water management practices, and significant community participation. This case serves as a powerful microcosm of the broader environmental challenges faced by India's rapidly urbanizing landscapes. It underscores the urgent need for integrated urban planning that respects ecological limits, robust environmental impact assessments, and a strong political will to prioritize environmental health alongside economic growth. The call for NCR residents to recognize their responsibility is not just a moral plea but a practical necessity for sustainable living in a region grappling with severe environmental stress.