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{{short description|Northernmost end of River Sahibi}}
{{About|the drain|bird sanctuary and wetland ecosystem|Najafgarh drain bird sanctuary|lake or jheel|Najafgarh lake}}
{{About|the drain|bird sanctuary and wetland ecosystem|Najafgarh drain bird sanctuary|lake or jheel|Najafgarh lake}}
{{cleanup|date=September 2011}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox river
| name = Najafgarh Drain
| image = File:Delhi aerial photo 03-2016 img2.jpg
| image_caption = Aerial view
| alt = <!-- Optional: Alternative text for the image -->
| other_name = River Sahibi (Northernmost end)
| subdivision_type1  = Country
| subdivision_name1  = [[India]]
| subdivision_type2  = City
| subdivision_name2  = [[Delhi]]
| length = <!-- Insert the length of the river if available -->
| source1 = <!-- Source of the river -->
| source1_location = <!-- Location of the source -->
| mouth = [[Yamuna River]]
| mouth_location = [[Delhi]], India
| basin_size = <!-- Size of the river's basin -->
| basin_landmarks = Najafgarh lake, Najafgarh Drain Bird Sanctuary
| river_system = [[Yamuna River]]
| tributaries_left = <!-- List of left tributaries, if available -->
| tributaries_right = <!-- List of right tributaries, if available -->
| custom_label = Pollution status
| custom_data = Highly polluted due to sewage inflow
| extra =
}}


{{cleanup|date=September 2011}}
[[File:Delhi aerial photo 03-2016 img2.jpg|thumb|Aerial view]]
[[File:Delhi aerial photo 03-2016 img2.jpg|thumb|Aerial view]]
[[File:Najafgarh Drain at Kakrola Bridge.jpg|thumb|Najafgarh Drain flowing through Kakrola Bridge near [[Dwarka, Delhi|Dwarka Sector 16]]]]
[[File:Najafgarh Drain at Kakrola Bridge.jpg|thumb|Najafgarh Drain flowing through Kakrola Bridge near [[Dwarka, Delhi|Dwarka Sector 16.]]]]
The '''Najafgarh drain''' or '''Najafgarh nalah''' (''nalah'' in Hindi means rivulet or storm water drain), which also acts as [[Najafgarh drain bird sanctuary]], is another name for the northernmost end of [[River Sahibi]], which continues its flow through [[Delhi]], where it is channelized, and then flows into the [[Yamuna]]. Within Delhi, due to its channelization for flood control purposes, it is now erroneously called "Najafgarh drain" or "Najafgarh nullah." It gets this name from the once famous and huge [[Najafgarh lake|Najafgarh Jheel (lake)]] near the town of [[Najafgarh]] in southwest Delhi and within urbanized Delhi. It is the Indian capital’s most polluted water body due to direct inflow of untreated sewage from surrounding populated areas. A January 2005 report by the Central Pollution Control Board classifies this drain, with 13 other highly polluted wetlands, under category ‘‘D’’ for assessing the water quality of wetlands in wildlife habitats.<ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=138509 Blot across the Capital: Najafgarh most polluted]{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Sunday, 10 July 2005, [[The Indian Express]]</ref><ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=118627 Environment minister raises a stink over Najafgarh jheel]{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, 22 February 2005, The Indian Express</ref><ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/najafgarh-basin-delhis-most-polluted-area/558870/ Najafgarh basin Delhi’s most polluted area], 25 Dec 2009, The Indian Express</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110912184105/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-12-25/pollution/28101026_1_industrial-clusters-industrial-hubs-najafgarh-drain Najafgarh drain 11th among highly polluted industrial clusters], 25 Dec 2009, The [[Times of India]]</ref><ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=191225 Najafgarh drain causes less pollution in Yamuna now] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060711203254/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=191225 |date=11 July 2006 }}, 4 July 2006, The Indian Express</ref>
 
This drain was widened as a flood control drain linking the Najafgarh lake to the river [[Yamuna]], thus completely draining the once huge and ecologically rich Najafgarh Lake, famous for its wetland ecosystem, waterbirds and wildlife.
 


==Classification and naming==
The '''Najafgarh drain''' or '''Najafgarh nalah''', which also acts as [[Najafgarh drain bird sanctuary]], is another name for the northernmost end of [[River Sahibi]], which continues its flow through [[Delhi]], where it is channelized, and then flows into the [[Yamuna]]. Within Delhi, due to its channelization for [[flood control]] purposes, it is now erroneously called "Najafgarh drain", and gets this name from the once famous and huge [[Najafgarh lake|Najafgarh Jheel (lake)]] near the town of [[Najafgarh]] in southwest Delhi and within urbanized Delhi.<ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=138509 Blot across the Capital: Najafgarh most polluted]{{dead link|date=February 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, Sunday, 10 July 2005, [[The Indian Express]]</ref><ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=118627 Environment minister raises a stink over Najafgarh jheel]{{dead link|date=February 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, 22 February 2005, The Indian Express</ref><ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/najafgarh-basin-delhis-most-polluted-area/558870/ Najafgarh basin Delhi’s most polluted area], 25 December 2009, The Indian Express</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110912184105/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-12-25/pollution/28101026_1_industrial-clusters-industrial-hubs-najafgarh-drain Najafgarh drain 11th among highly polluted industrial clusters], 25 December 2009, The [[Times of India]]</ref><ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=191225 Najafgarh drain causes less pollution in Yamuna now] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060711203254/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=191225 |date=11 July 2006 }}, 4 July 2006, The Indian Express</ref>


Within the [[National Capital Territory of Delhi]] (NCT), this channelized waterway—misclassified, misnamed as a mere drain (''Najafgarh drain or nullah'')--is, in fact, the continuation of the [[Sahibi River]] and an elongation of the [[Najafgarh jheel]] Lake. During the 1960s and before, the rain-fed Sahibi River, which originates in the [[Jaipur]] District of [[Rajasthan]], passing through [[Alwar]] District in Rajasthan and [[Gurgaon]] District in [[Haryana]], entered Delhi near [[Dhansa (New Delhi)|Dhansa]] and spilled its overflow in the [[Najafgarh Lake]] basin. This overflow created a seasonal lake; an area of more than {{convert|300|km2|mi2}} was submerged in some seasons. This water then continued to flow on the other side, forming a [[tributary]] of the [[River Yamuna]]. In the following decades, this Sahibi River flow reaching the Dhansa regulators was channelized by digging out a wide drain and connecting it directly to the River Yamuna. This channelization also completely drained off the seasonal Najafgarh Jheel that had formed there previously. The channelized drain from Dhansa regulators to Keshopur Bus Depot on Outer Ring Road is wide with thick and high embankments. A vast amount of water is retained in this widened drain by closing the Kakrola regulators under Najafgarh Road to recharge the local ground watertable; hence it acts like an elongated lake as well.<ref>[http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/DoIT_Irrigation/irrigation+and+flood+control/extra2/flood+problem+due+to+sahibi+river Flood Problem due to Sahibi River], Department of Irrigation and Flood Control, Government of NCT of Delhi, India. Website Last Updated : 3 May 2010, [http://www.indianexpress.com/Storyold/88045/ A sewage drain is now called the Yamuna], By Sonu Jain, 27 Mar 1999, Indian Express, [http://www.tehelka.com/story_main18.asp?filename=Cr081906Killing_Delhi.asp  CRUSADE: Killing Delhi’s Lifeline] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130104232039/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main18.asp?filename=Cr081906Killing_Delhi.asp |date=4 January 2013 }}, Charu Soni, 19 Aug 2006, New Delhi. [[Tehelka]], [https://web.archive.org/web/20140107031207/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-05/pollution/32055139_1_najafgarh-drain-stormwater-drain-river Riversutra gone all wrong], By [[Sunita Narain]],  5 Jun 2012, Times of India, [http://www.deccanherald.com/content/236685/better-management-haryana-may-solve.html ‘Better management in Haryana may solve Delhi’s water problems’], New Delhi, 22 Mar 2012, DHNS, Deccan herald, [http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sunita-narain-bats-for-sustainable-development/917565/ Sunita Narain bats for sustainable development], Express News Service : Pune, Tue 28 Feb 2012, The Indian Express</ref>
==Background==


==Bird sanctuary and wetland==
===Etymology===
{{Main|Najafgarh drain bird sanctuary}}


'''Wetland ecosystem and wildlife habitat important to migratory waterbirds and local wildlife'''
Within the [[National Capital Territory of Delhi]] (NCT), this channelized waterway misclassified and misnamed as the Najafgarh drain or nullah (nalah in Hindi means rivulet or storm water drain) is the continuation of the Sahibi River and an elongation of the Najafgarh Lake.<ref name=hiset1/>


The drain has been much widened over the years to drain all the water which in earlier decades used to collect in the Nagafgarh Jheel basin; this was supposedly done to remove the threat of flooding in Delhi<ref>[http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/DoIT_Irrigation/irrigation+and+flood+control/extra2/flood+problem+due+to+sahibi+river Flood Problem due to Sahibi River, Department of Irrigation and Flood Control, Government of NCT of Delhi, India.]</ref><ref>[http://nidm.gov.in/idmc/Proceedings/Flood/B2%20-%2036.pdf URBAN FLOODING AND ITS MANAGEMENT] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728104132/http://nidm.gov.in/idmc/Proceedings/Flood/B2%20-%2036.pdf |date=28 July 2011 }}, [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:6RCf6feT6L8J:nidm.gov.in/idmc/Proceedings/Flood/B2%2520-%252036.pdf+najafgarh+drain+bird+sanctuary&hl=en&gl=ca&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShRph2jGl_G0dFzbS5a_OUkGEiqpZhbLqNGfwGXmlP69E8PNiOOdFM15qU-yV2k6Nle6a8XAY6ZOJiVnhNugqHSGk4_DxILmA2iVz0TuqOTg-Mn6LNzoSu_6yTVdUoRJlAz9PUT&sig=AHIEtbTNNyw4ZsXcvAUiFQ9nxaogGDulHg]</ref> and now the drain itself acts as an elongated water body or lake with trees planted on both its embankments with an inspection road running on one embankment. During the winter months it attracts vast numbers of migratory birds and also supports local wildlife year-round. Due to the rich wildlife observed in and around the less polluted stretch of the drain outside of congested populated areas, it has been proposed as a bird sanctuary for Delhi.<ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=40725 DTTDC to develop bird sanctuary near Najafgarh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415033834/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=40725 |date=15 April 2013 }}, 12 January 2003, The Indian Express</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/article81562.ece Migratory birds are giving Delhi the go-by], 17 January 2010, [[The Hindu]]</ref><ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=197471 Najafgarh jheel may chirp again]{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, 20 August 2006, The Indian Express</ref>
===History===


The [[wetland]] [[ecosystem]] and [[wildlife habitat]] on several kilometers of less polluted Najafgarh drain in rural Delhi before entering the main city including the former ''Najafgarh lake'' or ''Najafgarh jheel'' area is very important habitat to [[bird migration|migratory]] [[waterbirds]] as well as local [[wildlife]] and has been earmarked to be declared a [[bird sanctuary]] for Delhi. The area came to be recognized as an important wildlife habitat after a local naturalist studying the area during 1986–88 called attention to it recommending it to be conserved as a bird sanctuary after which the Delhi wildlife department posted 16 guards in the area to control illegal bird hunters including diplomats from various international embassies located in Delhi, India's capital. Delhi Administration officials were tasked with declaring about {{convert|25|km|mi|adj=on}} stretch of the drain in rural Delhi, including where it passes through the core area of the now drained Najafgarh Lake, "protected" under the "Wildlife Act" after Lt.-Governor of Delhi Mr. H.L. Kapur was invited to the area for touring the site where he also heard accounts of local villagers about the rampant illegal hunting of waterbirds that went on here every year. The existing staff of the Flood Control and Irrigation Department numbering about 40 were also given the additional responsibility of protecting the wildlife on and around the drain.<ref>[A bird sanctuary for Delhi soon, By Nirupama Subramanian, Express News Service, City, New Delhi, 7 March 1988, Indian Express Newspaper]</ref><ref>[Flamingos flock to Capital, By N. Suresh, New Delhi, 7 January 1988, The Times of India]</ref><ref>[Down by the wetlands, on the wild side, Najafgarh drain, By Vivek Menon, 9 March 1991, Weekend, New Delhi, Indian Express Newspaper]</ref>
During the 1960s and before, the rain-fed Sahibi River, which originates in the [[Jaipur]] District of [[Rajasthan]], passing through [[Alwar]] District in Rajasthan and [[Gurgaon]] District in [[Haryana]], entered Delhi near [[Dhansa (New Delhi)|Dhansa]] and spilled its overflow in the [[Najafgarh Lake]] basin. This overflow created a seasonal lake; an area of more than {{convert|300|km2|mi2}} was submerged in some seasons. This water then continued to flow on the other side, forming a [[tributary]] of the [[River Yamuna]]. In the following decades, this Sahibi River flow reaching the Dhansa regulators was channelized by digging out a wide drain and connecting it directly to the River Yamuna. This channelization also drained off the seasonal Najafgarh Jheel that had formed there previously. The channelized drain from Dhansa regulators to Keshopur Bus Depot on Outer Ring Road is wide with thick and high embankments. A vast amount of water is retained in this widened drain by closing the Kakrola regulators under Najafgarh Road to recharge the local ground watertable; hence it acts like an elongated lake as well.<ref name=hiset1>[http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/DoIT_Irrigation/irrigation+and+flood+control/extra2/flood+problem+due+to+sahibi+river Flood Problem due to Sahibi River], Department of Irrigation and Flood Control, Government of NCT of Delhi, India. Website Last Updated : 3 May 2010, [http://www.indianexpress.com/Storyold/88045/ A sewage drain is now called the Yamuna], By Sonu Jain, 27 March 1999, Indian Express, [http://www.tehelka.com/story_main18.asp?filename=Cr081906Killing_Delhi.asp  CRUSADE: Killing Delhi’s Lifeline] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130104232039/http://www.tehelka.com/story_main18.asp?filename=Cr081906Killing_Delhi.asp |date=4 January 2013 }}, Charu Soni, 19 August 2006, New Delhi. [[Tehelka]], [https://web.archive.org/web/20140107031207/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-05/pollution/32055139_1_najafgarh-drain-stormwater-drain-river Riversutra gone all wrong], By [[Sunita Narain]], 5 June 2012, Times of India, [http://www.deccanherald.com/content/236685/better-management-haryana-may-solve.html ‘Better management in Haryana may solve Delhi’s water problems’], New Delhi, 22 March 2012, DHNS, Deccan herald, [http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sunita-narain-bats-for-sustainable-development/917565/ Sunita Narain bats for sustainable development], Express News Service : Pune, Tue 28 February 2012, The Indian Express</ref> The drain has been much widened over the years to drain all the water which in earlier decades used to collect in the Nagafgarh Jheel basin; this was supposedly done to remove the threat of flooding in Delhi.<ref>[http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/DoIT_Irrigation/irrigation+and+flood+control/extra2/flood+problem+due+to+sahibi+river Flood Problem due to Sahibi River, Department of Irrigation and Flood Control, Government of NCT of Delhi, India.]</ref><ref>[http://nidm.gov.in/idmc/Proceedings/Flood/B2%20-%2036.pdf URBAN FLOODING AND ITS MANAGEMENT] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728104132/http://nidm.gov.in/idmc/Proceedings/Flood/B2%20-%2036.pdf|date=28 July 2011}}, [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:6RCf6feT6L8J:nidm.gov.in/idmc/Proceedings/Flood/B2%2520-%252036.pdf+najafgarh+drain+bird+sanctuary&hl=en&gl=ca&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShRph2jGl_G0dFzbS5a_OUkGEiqpZhbLqNGfwGXmlP69E8PNiOOdFM15qU-yV2k6Nle6a8XAY6ZOJiVnhNugqHSGk4_DxILmA2iVz0TuqOTg-Mn6LNzoSu_6yTVdUoRJlAz9PUT&sig=AHIEtbTNNyw4ZsXcvAUiFQ9nxaogGDulHg]</ref> Before the draining of this lake in the 1960s by widening of the Najafgarh drain by the Flood control and irrigation department of Delhi the lake in many years filled up a depression more than {{convert|300|km2|mi2}} in rural Delhi, It had an extremely rich wetland ecosystem forming a refuge for vast quantities of waterbirds and local wildlife. The lake was one of the last habitats of the famed and endangered Siberian Crane which has all but vanished from the Indian subcontinent now. Till before independence many British colonial Officers and dignitaries came in large parties for waterfowl hunting every season.<ref>Najafgarh marsh: "The (Najafgarh) marsh was a favored duck-shoot ground of the British, but was eventually drained out into the Najafgarh Nallah." [http://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/28802/60250107.pdf?sequence=1 Strategy Framework for Delhi beyond the Commonwealth Games 2010] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029222016/http://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/28802/60250107.pdf?sequence=1 |date=29 October 2013 }}, BY DANNY CHERIAN, 2004</ref><ref>[A Guide to the Birds of the Delhi Area (1975) by Usha Ganguli, a member of the Delhi Birdwatching Society.]</ref><ref>[Birdwatching Articles from 1961-70 from Najafgarh lake by Usha Ganguli in "''[[Newsletter for Birdwatchers]]''" edited by Zafar Futehally]</ref>


==Forested embankments==
==Hydrology==
The Najafgarh drain has been much widened over the past decades and now has thick mud embankments on both its sides to channel the waters and protect Delhi from floods, these embankments have been planted with thick forest cover which serve as a much needed habitat for remnant local wildlife occurring in nearby and surrounding farmlands including common foxes, jackals, hares, wild cats, nilgai, porcupines and various reptiles and snakes including the dreaded cobras. Many local birds including waterbirds roost and nest in these trees.


Sections of the forested embankments of Najafgarh drain are currently classified as and are featured in [[Reserved forests and protected forests of India|Protected Forests]] and Recorded Forests (Notified Forest Areas in Delhi) as "M. P. Green area Najafgarh Drain (Tagore garden)", "Afforestation M.P.Green Area Najafgarh Drain (DDA)" and "[[Chhawla or Najafgarh drain city forest]] (29.64 Acre)".<ref>[http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/environment/Environment/Home/Achievements/ Plantation/Greening of Delhi] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126100652/http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/environment/Environment/Home/Achievements |date=26 November 2011 }}, Department of Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi, India website, {{cite web |url=http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/e5d6a2804e0153e1b13cb53cf97f2eae/1-21.pdf?MOD=AJPERES |title=Archived copy |access-date=2011-12-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006180249/http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/e5d6a2804e0153e1b13cb53cf97f2eae/1-21.pdf?MOD=AJPERES |archive-date=6 October 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>[http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/doit_forest/Forest/Home/Forests+of+Delhi/Recorded+Forest RECORDED FORESTS (NOTIFIED FOREST AREAS IN DELHI)], Forest Department, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, India, [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:V48EOp-4YnsJ:www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/e5d6a2804e0153e1b13cb53cf97f2eae/1-21.pdf%3FMOD%3DAJPERES+delhi+airport+najafgarh+drain+birds&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgHf_kltmUAtbU59pAAd8gfGPh7wODG1CCLfjl10mvyx13jvqOPqupfaw7B_HFEgH_tBhpnmMkzZBR9MpQGK_CaKS-qA4gZ46MeDbzgyqhJT8t5nGtHTL34-jFb_650_OYmk7wP&sig=AHIEtbTcy0YSNcsWBtQ0OENviJMP0lIoIA]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/doit_forest/Forest/Search+Results/ |title=Search for Najafgarh drain on Forest Department, Government of NCT of Delhi, India website |access-date=1 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317094505/http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/doit_forest/Forest/Search%2BResults/ |archive-date=17 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://www2.wii.gov.in/envis/paupdates/update39october2002.htm "Bird sanctuary proposed in Najafgarh" - PROTECTED AREA UPDATE, No. 39 October 2002, Kalpavriksh] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120805234949/http://www2.wii.gov.in/envis/paupdates/update39october2002.htm |date=5 August 2012 }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080922143809/http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/29/stories/2008062960760300.htm Another city forest opened - Delhi will soon have 32 of them, says Sheila, New Delhi, 29 Jun 2008, The Hindu Newspaper]</ref>
===Course===


==Embankment road==
The 51&nbsp;km-long Najafgarh drain starts at Dhansa and joins the Yamuna river near Wazirabad.<ref name=bds1/><ref name=bds2/><ref name=bds3/> Najafgarh Drain is canalized after Bharat Nagar up to confluence to River Yamuna at Downstream [[Wazirabad Barrage]].<ref>[http://cpcbenvis.nic.in/newsletter/birdsanctury/ch30703.htm Bio-Monitoring of Wetlands in Wild Life Habitats of Birds Sanctuaries in India – Case Studies Ands, Part-1 Bird sanctuaries, `PARIVESH', July 2003, Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment and Forests of India] {{webarchive|url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090410071428/http://cpcbenvis.nic.in/newsletter/birdsanctury/ch30703.htm|date=10 April 2009}}, [http://www.cpcb.nic.in/oldwebsite/News%20Letters/Archives/Bio-monitoring/ch3-bio.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725234134/http://www.cpcb.nic.in/oldwebsite/News%20Letters/Archives/Bio-monitoring/ch3-bio.html|date=25 July 2011}}, {{cite web |title=Bird Sanctuaries |url=http://cpcbenvis.nic.in/newsletter/birdsanctury/ch40703.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090410071347/http://cpcbenvis.nic.in/newsletter/birdsanctury/ch40703.htm |archive-date=10 April 2009 |access-date=2011-04-22}}, [http://www.cpcb.nic.in/upload/AnnualReports/AnnualReport_7_annualreport2002-03.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725234257/http://www.cpcb.nic.in/upload/AnnualReports/AnnualReport_7_annualreport2002-03.pdf|date=25 July 2011}}, [http://cpcbenvis.nic.in/highlights/Highlights05/ch-6.htm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814011602/http://cpcbenvis.nic.in/highlights/Highlights05/ch-6.htm|date=14 August 2011}}. Retrieved 3 May 2011</ref>
There is a well kept drivable inspection road maintained by Irrigation and Flood Control Department of Delhi on one of the drains embankment throughout its entire length of several kilometers running through rural Delhi from Dhansa regulators at the southwest border of Delhi with the state of [[Haryana]] to where the drain crosses under the [[Outer Ring Road, New Delhi|outer ring road]] at [[Keshopur bus depot]] near the Najafgarh road between the housing colonies of [[Vikaspuri]] and [[Tilak Nagar (Delhi)|Tilak Nagar]] in New Delhi.


Bird-watchers and nature-lovers can view the wildlife and waterbirds occurring on the drain from vehicles by driving on this road and stopping intermittently and going down to the waters edge. As the width of the drain is limited the flocks of waterfowl and other waterbirds in the drain can be easily observed from the drain's edges and this same fact makes the birds much more vulnerable to hunting as they remain in easy reach of the poacher's shotguns and the nets and traps set for them by local villagers and professional trappers.
===Wetland bird sanctuary===
{{see also|Najafgarh drain bird sanctuary|Najafgarh lake}}


==Recharging, irrigation==
The wide and deep drain acts as an elongated lake maintaining water-level even during the summer months, leading to recharging of ground [[water table]],<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070313143310/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=225921 Groundwater to be recharged at Najafgarh, Mungeshwar drains], by Teena Thacker, New Delhi, 9 March 2007. Archived copy Internet Archive accessed on 4 October 2012</ref><ref>[Delhi tightens belt to cope with drought], PTI, 2 August 2002, ''The Times of India''</ref> and the drain's elongated water body with trees planted on both its embankments acts as a wildlife and bird sanctuary which attracts vast numbers of migratory birds during the winter months and supports local wildlife year-round.<ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=40725 DTTDC to develop bird sanctuary near Najafgarh] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415033834/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=40725 |date=15 April 2013 }}, 12 January 2003, The Indian Express</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/article81562.ece Migratory birds are giving Delhi the go-by], 17 January 2010, [[The Hindu]]</ref><ref>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=197471 Najafgarh jheel may chirp again]{{dead link|date=February 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, 20 August 2006, The Indian Express</ref>
The continuous widening of the Najafgarh drain since the 1960s led to the complete draining of the once vast and rich Najafgarh lake, jheel or marsh which directly affected the ground water table in the entire surrounding region as all the rain water after yearly monsoons that used to collect in the vast lake basin in previous years now ran off swiftly through the widened drain into river [[Yamuna]] in which it outfalls, this has been affecting the entire climate of the region as well making the region more arid and creating water shortages for the purpose of irrigation or human consumption for the people of Delhi and surrounding regions.


Currently the drain is so wide and deep that it acts as an elongated lake in its own right and can hold and store a lot of rain water which can be regulated through regulators built into it at intervals. Maintaining of proper water-level in the drain and storage of rainwater in it during the summer months leads to recharging of ground [[water table]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070313143310/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=225921 Groundwater to be recharged at Najafgarh, Mungeshwar drains], by Teena Thacker, New Delhi, 9 March 2007. Archived copy Internet Archive accessed on 4 October 2012</ref> which the surrounding farmers find much helpful as they access the high water table though [[tube well]]s dug on their farmlands though which they pump water to irrigate their crops. Farmers owning farmlands bordering the drain in [[rural]] [[Delhi]] directly use pipes and hoses to pump water from the drain for irrigation.<ref>[Delhi tightens belt to cope with drought], PTI, 2 Aug 2002, The Times of India Newspaper</ref>
==Infrastructure==


==Fishing==
===Forested embankments===
The relatively cleaner portion of the drain in rural southwest Delhi before it enters densely populated and badly polluted area at [[Vikaspuri]] also attracts some small scale local village fishermen, occasionally one can be seen casting his line or net in the waters or floating on a black inflated truck tire tube spreading his fishing net across the breadth of the drain. A fishing license is needed to catch fish legally in Delhi waters.


==Water hyacinth overgrowth==
The Najafgarh drain has been much widened over the past decades and now has thick mud embankments on both its sides to channel the waters and protect Delhi from floods. These embankments have been planted with thick forest cover which serve as a much needed habitat for remnant local wildlife occurring in nearby and surrounding farmlands including common foxes, jackals, hares, wild cats, nilgai, porcupines and various reptiles and snakes including the dreaded cobras. Many local birds including waterfowl roost and nest in these trees.
The [[water hyacinth]], an introduced [[invasive species]] of fast growing floating plants completely clogs the open water surface of the drain in many areas annually and lot of funds and labour is employed by the flood control department to clear it some what to keep the water flow uninterrupted. The removing of the water hyacinth by laborers also opens up the water surface for birds and migratory waterfowl that take refuge here every winter.


==Covering for development==
Sections of the forested embankments of Najafgarh drain are currently classified as and are featured in [[Reserved forests and protected forests of India|Protected Forests]] and Recorded Forests (Notified Forest Areas in Delhi) as "M. P. Green area Najafgarh Drain (Tagore garden)", "Afforestation M.P.Green Area Najafgarh Drain (DDA)" and "[[Chhawla or Najafgarh drain city forest]] (29.64 Acre)".<ref>[http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/environment/Environment/Home/Achievements/ Plantation/Greening of Delhi] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126100652/http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/environment/Environment/Home/Achievements |date=26 November 2011 }}, Department of Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi, India website, {{cite web|url=http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/e5d6a2804e0153e1b13cb53cf97f2eae/1-21.pdf?MOD=AJPERES|title=Archived copy|access-date=8 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006180249/http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/e5d6a2804e0153e1b13cb53cf97f2eae/1-21.pdf?MOD=AJPERES|archive-date=6 October 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/doit_forest/Forest/Home/Forests+of+Delhi/Recorded+Forest RECORDED FORESTS (NOTIFIED FOREST AREAS IN DELHI)], Forest Department, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, India, [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:V48EOp-4YnsJ:www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/e5d6a2804e0153e1b13cb53cf97f2eae/1-21.pdf%3FMOD%3DAJPERES+delhi+airport+najafgarh+drain+birds&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgHf_kltmUAtbU59pAAd8gfGPh7wODG1CCLfjl10mvyx13jvqOPqupfaw7B_HFEgH_tBhpnmMkzZBR9MpQGK_CaKS-qA4gZ46MeDbzgyqhJT8t5nGtHTL34-jFb_650_OYmk7wP&sig=AHIEtbTcy0YSNcsWBtQ0OENviJMP0lIoIA]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/doit_forest/Forest/Search+Results/|title=Search for Najafgarh drain on Forest Department, Government of NCT of Delhi, India website|access-date=1 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317094505/http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/doit_forest/Forest/Search%2BResults/|archive-date=17 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[http://www2.wii.gov.in/envis/paupdates/update39october2002.htm "Bird sanctuary proposed in Najafgarh" – PROTECTED AREA UPDATE, No. 39 October 2002, Kalpavriksh] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120805234949/http://www2.wii.gov.in/envis/paupdates/update39october2002.htm |date=5 August 2012 }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080922143809/http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/29/stories/2008062960760300.htm Another city forest opened – Delhi will soon have 32 of them, says Sheila, New Delhi, 29 Jun 2008, The Hindu Newspaper]</ref>
There is a development scheme in the works where Najafgarh drain will be covered by the Flood Department from [[Vijay Nagar, Delhi]] to [[Hakikat Nagar]] and on the covered area shops will be built.<ref>[‘Part of Najafgarh drain to be covered’], by Special Correspondent, New Delhi, 12 September 2009, [[The Hindu Newspaper]]. Accessed on 4 October 2012</ref>


==Najafgarh lake, marsh or jheel==
===Embankment highway===
{{Main|Najafgarh lake}}
{{anchor | Rd | Road | Highway }}


''Najafgarh lake'', ''Najafgarh marsh'' or ''Najafgarh jheel'' (Jheel in Hindi means a lake) used to be a vast lake in the south west of Delhi in India near the town of [[Najafgarh]] from which it takes its name, it was connected to the river [[Yamuna]] by a natural shallow nullah or drain called the Najafgarh nullah. However, after the 1960s the Flood Control Department of Delhi kept widening the Najafgarh drain in the pretext of saving Delhi from floods and eventually quickly drained the once huge and ecologically rich Najafgarh lake completely. Rainwater accumulating in the Najafgarh lake or jheel basin had been recorded to have occupied more than 300 square kilometers in many years before its unfortunate draining.
In May 2025, Delhi government announced construction of a 60.77 km long 2-lane major highway along the left bank of Najafgarh drain, including 5.94 km long Jhatikra-Chhawla in south and 54.83 km long Chhawla-Basai Dara Pur Bridge in north, connecting [[Dwarka Expressway]], [[Urban Extension Road-II]], [[Outer Ring Road, Delhi|Outer Ring Road]], [[Inner_Ring_Road,_Delhi|Inner Ring Road]], Pankha Road, etc.<ref name=najdrd1>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/60km-road-along-najafgarh-drain-to-boost-connectivity/articleshow/121253395.cms 60 km long road along Najafgarh drain], TOI, 19 May 2025.</ref> The existing drivable minor inspection road maintained by Irrigation and Flood Control Department of Delhi on drain's embankment, from Dhansa regulators at the southwest border of Delhi with the state of Haryana to where the drain crosses under the Outer Ring Road, will be upgraded to 2-lane highway.


However, with recent advances in ecological understanding it has become clear that draining of this vast lake affected the entire climate of this important region that is India's capital territory and its neighborhood. The draining of the lake completely also caused the watertable in the entire area to go down and the area becoming arid. There have been some plans since to at least resurrect a much smaller lake in the area. Most of the Najafgarh jheel basin lands have increased many folds in their value owing to them coming within Delhi, India's capital territory and are under ownership of farmers who may want to make a fast buck selling them to developers who want to convert the former lake basin into housing complexes as has already been happening with major housing colonies coming up in the region. If Najafgarh drain, which was built to drain the original Najafgarh lake or jheel, ever breaches its wide embankments it will flood these developed lands owing to them spread all over the former low lying jheel or lake basin.
==Conservation==


===Before draining, a vast lake===
Irrigation and Flood Control Department of the Delhi Government, de-silted the drain to increase its storage capacity. Regulators at [[Kakraula]] and Dhansa retain the water. Presently the brackish water is improving with dilution. By retaining the water in the drain, the [[aquifer]]s and [[groundwater]] table have been recharged and there is more water now for irrigation, enabling farmers 6 kilometres away from the drain to grow crops. Tube wells in the area have been discharging water copiously and in two years the water table is up by a meter.<ref name=bds1>[https://web.archive.org/web/20040103175112/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2002/12/22/stories/2002122200300200.htm Don't cloud the issue – USHA RAI looks at some success stories in rainwater harvesting that should convince those of us who are still sceptical], 22 Dec 2002, ''The Hindu''</ref><ref name="bds2">[http://www.greensystems.net/images/Dr.Sharma%20NCR%20Planning%20board%20proposal.pdf Proposal for Ground Water Recharge in National Capital Region (NCR) Dr S.K. Sharma Ground Water Expert] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111110051227/http://www.greensystems.net/images/Dr.Sharma%20NCR%20Planning%20board%20proposal.pdf|date=10 November 2011}}, [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:-El8dIOzqkwJ:www.greensystems.net/images/Dr.Sharma%2520NCR%2520Planning%2520board%2520proposal.pdf+Birds+are+back+at+Najafgarh+Jheel&hl=en&gl=ca&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjhbihuGSYs5_rSivXrLO2N2CjqgXEXNVHeteUMUPkv-B3szQww1FL5CFYQveUkenriZow93Jf2W8yFsvlm3noD2YhFeFT0LF3GPr58B1KOBS3nZjH4Cnklte2B4nLtul4jl9QE&sig=AHIEtbTVQ9fz0aJ6DAFHGsICDNPxVF0cyQ]</ref><ref name=bds3>[http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=225921 Groundwater to be recharged at Najafgarh, Mungeshwar drains] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313143310/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=225921 |date=13 March 2007 }}, 10 March 2007, The Indian Express</ref>


Before the unfortunate complete draining of this lake in the 1960s by widening of the Najafgarh drain by the Flood control and irrigation department of Delhi the lake in many years filled up a depression more than {{convert|300|km2|mi2}} in rural Delhi, It had an extremely rich wetland ecosystem forming a refuge for vast quantities of waterbirds and local wildlife. The lake was one of the last habitats of the famed and endangered Siberian Crane which has all but vanished from the Indian subcontinent now. Till before independence many British colonial Officers and dignitaries came in large parties for waterfowl hunting every season.<ref>Najafgarh marsh: "The (Najafgarh) marsh was a favored duck-shoot ground of the British, but was eventually drained out into the Najafgarh Nallah." [http://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/28802/60250107.pdf?sequence=1 Strategy Framework for Delhi beyond the Commonwealth Games 2010] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029222016/http://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/28802/60250107.pdf?sequence=1 |date=29 October 2013 }}, BY DANNY CHERIAN, 2004</ref><ref>[A Guide to the Birds of the Delhi Area (1975) by Usha Ganguli, a member of the Delhi Birdwatching Society.]</ref><ref>[Birdwatching Articles from 1961-70 from Najafgarh lake by Usha Ganguli in "''[[Newsletter for Birdwatchers]]''" edited by Zafar Futehally]</ref>
In January 2026, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department commissioned a [[Finland|Finnish]]-sourced [[Amphibious excavator|amphibious multipurpose dredger]], the Watermaster, along with three self-propelled [[Hopper barge|hopper barges]] to desilt the drain and remove sludge, silt and aquatic weeds, with the drain estimated to account for nearly 70% of the total pollution load entering the Yamuna.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-17 |title=Imported Rs 8-crore dredger begins work to clean Yamuna |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/imported-rs-8-crore-dredger-begins-work-to-clean-yamuna-10478749/ |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Verma |first=Anup |date=2026-01-17 |title=Yamuna gets GPS-based dredger for sludge and weed clearance |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2026/Jan/17/yamuna-gets-gps-based-dredger-for-sludge-and-weed-clearance |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Officials described the deployment as part of a broader shift toward technology-driven, large-scale, sustained action intended to improve water flow, enhance Delhi’s flood resilience and reduce pollution before it reaches the Yamuna.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Finland-made advanced dredger deployed to clean Najafgarh Drain |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/delhi/finland-made-advanced-dredger-deployed-to-clean-najafgarh-drain/ |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Delhi Uses Rs 8-Crore High-Tech Finnish Machine To Tackle Yamuna Pollution |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-uses-rs-8-crore-high-tech-finnish-machine-to-tackle-yamuna-pollution-10765023 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260117015113/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-uses-rs-8-crore-high-tech-finnish-machine-to-tackle-yamuna-pollution-10765023 |archive-date=2026-01-17 |access-date=2026-02-02 |work=www.ndtv.com |language=en}}</ref>  


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Najafgarh drain bird sanctuary]], Delhi
* [[Najafgarh drain bird sanctuary]]
* Nearby [[Najafgarh lake]] or Najafgarh jheel (Now completely drained by Najafgarh drain)
* [[Najafgarh lake]] (Najafgarh jheel), nearby lake
* [[Najafgarh]] town, Delhi
* [[Najafgarh]], town in Delhi
* [[National Zoological Park Delhi]]
* [[National Zoological Park Delhi]]
* [[Sultanpur National Park]], bordering Delhi in adjoining [[Gurgaon District]], [[Haryana]]
* [[Sultanpur National Park]], bordering Delhi in adjoining [[Gurgaon District]], [[Haryana]]
Line 69: Line 84:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|20em}}
{{reflist}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* [http://www.ddalandpoolingprojects.com/l-zone/ DRAFT MAP ZONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN PLANNING ZONE- 'L'.]
* [http://www.ddalandpoolingprojects.com/l-zone/ DRAFT MAP ZONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN PLANNING ZONE- 'L'.]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=75252 SEWAGE PROJECTS to Prevent Untreated Sewage], 29 August 2011, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Press Information Bureau, India
* [http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=75252 SEWAGE PROJECTS to Prevent Untreated Sewage], 29 August 2011, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Press Information Bureau, India
* [http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/DoIT_Irrigation/irrigation+and+flood+control/extra2/flood+problem+due+to+sahibi+river Flood Problem due to Sahibi River, Department of Irrigation and Flood Control, Government of NCT of Delhi, India.]
* [http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/DoIT_Irrigation/irrigation+and+flood+control/extra2/flood+problem+due+to+sahibi+river Flood Problem due to Sahibi River, Department of Irrigation and Flood Control, Government of NCT of Delhi, India.]
* [http://www.green-ensys.org/site/publications/Wastewater%20management%20in%20Najafgarh%20drainage%20basin.pdf WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT IN NAJAFGARH DRAINAGE BASIN – KEY TO WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN RIVER YAMUNA], by Asit Nema of Foundation for Greentech Environmental Systems1 and Dr. Lalit Agrawal of Tokyo Engineering Consultants, Japan2
* [http://www.green-ensys.org/site/publications/Wastewater%20management%20in%20Najafgarh%20drainage%20basin.pdf WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT IN NAJAFGARH DRAINAGE BASIN – KEY TO WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN RIVER YAMUNA], by Asit Nema of Foundation for Greentech Environmental Systems1 and Dr. Lalit Agrawal of Tokyo Engineering Consultants, Japan2
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110814120836/http://delhiplanning.nic.in/PD/2008-09/Writeup/26-42%20%5BFlood%20Control%5D.pdf FLOOD CONTROL - The National Capital Territory of Delhi]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110814120836/http://delhiplanning.nic.in/PD/2008-09/Writeup/26-42%20%5BFlood%20Control%5D.pdf FLOOD CONTROL – The National Capital Territory of Delhi]
* [http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/article19406.ece ‘Part of Najafgarh drain to be covered’], 12 September 2009, The Hindu
* [http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/article19406.ece ‘Part of Najafgarh drain to be covered’], 12 September 2009, The Hindu
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110516053619/http://www.haryana-online.com/Fauna/Birds/how_sultanpur_happened.htm How Sultanpur happened: Sultanpur and Najafgarh Jheels - by Peter Jackson], [https://web.archive.org/web/20110516053542/http://www.haryana-online.com/Fauna/Birds/peter_jackson.htm]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110516053619/http://www.haryana-online.com/Fauna/Birds/how_sultanpur_happened.htm How Sultanpur happened: Sultanpur and Najafgarh Jheels – by Peter Jackson]}}, {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110516053542/http://www.haryana-online.com/Fauna/Birds/peter_jackson.htm]}}
* [http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=59995 ‘Reviving old ponds way out of water woes’]{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, 9 August 2003, The Indian Express
* [http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=59995 ‘Reviving old ponds way out of water woes’]{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, 9 August 2003, The Indian Express
* [http://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/action-plans-polluted-areas-delhi-soon Action plans on polluted areas in Delhi soon], GN BUREAU, NEW DELHI, MARCH 17, 2010, Governance Now
* [http://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/action-plans-polluted-areas-delhi-soon Action plans on polluted areas in Delhi soon], GN BUREAU, NEW DELHI, 17 March 2010, Governance Now
* [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:-El8dIOzqkwJ:www.greensystems.net/images/Dr.Sharma%2520NCR%2520Planning%2520board%2520proposal.pdf+delhi+airport+najafgarh+drain+birds&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjhbihuGSYs5_rSivXrLO2N2CjqgXEXNVHeteUMUPkv-B3szQww1FL5CFYQveUkenriZow93Jf2W8yFsvlm3noD2YhFeFT0LF3GPr58B1KOBS3nZjH4Cnklte2B4nLtul4jl9QE&sig=AHIEtbR8FogSquJ5O7cDN-fVCq-spjNzZg Proposal for ground water recharge in National Capital Region (NCR) by Dr. S. K. Sharma, Ground water expert], [https://web.archive.org/web/20111110051227/http://www.greensystems.net/images/Dr.Sharma%20NCR%20Planning%20board%20proposal.pdf],  [https://web.archive.org/web/20110410050916/http://www.indiawaterportal.org/taxonomy/term/2891]
* [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:-El8dIOzqkwJ:www.greensystems.net/images/Dr.Sharma%2520NCR%2520Planning%2520board%2520proposal.pdf+delhi+airport+najafgarh+drain+birds&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjhbihuGSYs5_rSivXrLO2N2CjqgXEXNVHeteUMUPkv-B3szQww1FL5CFYQveUkenriZow93Jf2W8yFsvlm3noD2YhFeFT0LF3GPr58B1KOBS3nZjH4Cnklte2B4nLtul4jl9QE&sig=AHIEtbR8FogSquJ5O7cDN-fVCq-spjNzZg Proposal for ground water recharge in National Capital Region (NCR) by Dr. S. K. Sharma, Ground water expert], [https://web.archive.org/web/20111110051227/http://www.greensystems.net/images/Dr.Sharma%20NCR%20Planning%20board%20proposal.pdf],  [https://web.archive.org/web/20110410050916/http://www.indiawaterportal.org/taxonomy/term/2891]
* [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:RabaBQDqo68J:www.wsscc.org/sites/default/files/india_singh_delhis_watery_woes_2006.pdf+bird+count+najafgarh+drain&hl=en&gl=ca&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjlgc68wrZgBbj0hEmWVk7HauQdWLh_BVFYvxYGw32kvR4U2mGAyaRPANgdq0RzGq6dzdIsioYliM4z5dvO5ZDY_I6_v1aFeTkZfywGTFbM3pRISW75Q2F_5Jf8aBgwHsZaOXra&sig=AHIEtbQHJIrk1sity8tW--Nbc_11UUCAQg], [https://web.archive.org/web/20110928022355/http://www.wsscc.org/sites/default/files/india_singh_delhis_watery_woes_2006.pdf Delhi's Watery Woes] by Arun Kumar Singh
* [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:RabaBQDqo68J:www.wsscc.org/sites/default/files/india_singh_delhis_watery_woes_2006.pdf+bird+count+najafgarh+drain&hl=en&gl=ca&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjlgc68wrZgBbj0hEmWVk7HauQdWLh_BVFYvxYGw32kvR4U2mGAyaRPANgdq0RzGq6dzdIsioYliM4z5dvO5ZDY_I6_v1aFeTkZfywGTFbM3pRISW75Q2F_5Jf8aBgwHsZaOXra&sig=AHIEtbQHJIrk1sity8tW--Nbc_11UUCAQg], [https://web.archive.org/web/20110928022355/http://www.wsscc.org/sites/default/files/india_singh_delhis_watery_woes_2006.pdf Delhi's Watery Woes] by Arun Kumar Singh
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110820100406/http://m.pressmart.com/Home.aspx?event=HTDelhi&dt=19082010&page=755_003&mdl= Birds are back at Najafgarh Jheel], 19 08 2010, Delhi Edition, Hindustan Times
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110820100406/http://m.pressmart.com/Home.aspx?event=HTDelhi&dt=19082010&page=755_003&mdl= Birds are back at Najafgarh Jheel], 19 August 2010, Delhi Edition, Hindustan Times
* [http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/article66609.ece No more water-logging at airport with new drain in place], New Delhi, 17 December 2009, The Hindu
* [http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/article66609.ece No more water-logging at airport with new drain in place], New Delhi, 17 December 2009, The Hindu
* [https://archive.today/20130103075233/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Walls-to-be-constructed-around-Najafgarh-drain/Article1-196591.aspx Walls to be constructed around Najafgarh drain], New Delhi, 29 December 2006, Hindustan Times
* [https://archive.today/20130103075233/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Walls-to-be-constructed-around-Najafgarh-drain/Article1-196591.aspx Walls to be constructed around Najafgarh drain], New Delhi, 29 December 2006, Hindustan Times
* [http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=225921 Groundwater to be recharged at Najafgarh, Mungeshwar drains], 10 March 2007, The Indian Express
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070313143310/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=225921 Groundwater to be recharged at Najafgarh, Mungeshwar drains], 10 March 2007, The Indian Express
* [http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/node/235442 Gurgaon polluting Najafgarh drain, draws Minister's ire], by Rajesh Kumar, New Delhi, 27/07/2006, [[The Pioneer (Indian newspaper)|The Pioneer]]
* [http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/node/235442 Gurgaon polluting Najafgarh drain, draws Minister's ire], by Rajesh Kumar, New Delhi, 27 July 2006, [[The Pioneer (Indian newspaper)|The Pioneer]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051921/http://m.pressmart.com/Home.aspx?event=HTDelhi&dt=03112011&page=751_007&mdl= Winged visitors are back at Najafgarh Lake], New Delhi, 03/11/2011, Hindustan Times. Also see [https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051943/http://m.pressmart.com/Home.aspx?event=HTDelhi&dt=29102011&page=751_006&mdl=]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051921/http://m.pressmart.com/Home.aspx?event=HTDelhi&dt=03112011&page=751_007&mdl= Winged visitors are back at Najafgarh Lake], New Delhi, 3 November 2011, Hindustan Times. Also see [https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051943/http://m.pressmart.com/Home.aspx?event=HTDelhi&dt=29102011&page=751_006&mdl=]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120403121445/http://revenueharyana.gov.in/html/gazeteers/Delhi%20Gazeetter%201912.pdf CHAPTER J.- DESCRIPTIVE· pages from the Gazeteers, Delhi, 1912]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120403121445/http://revenueharyana.gov.in/html/gazeteers/Delhi%20Gazeetter%201912.pdf CHAPTER J.- DESCRIPTIVE· pages from the Gazeteers, Delhi, 1912]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110728104132/http://nidm.gov.in/idmc/Proceedings/Flood/B2%20-%2036.pdf URBAN FLOODING AND ITS MANAGEMENT], 2006. India Disaster Management Congress.IIPA Campus, IP Estate, Near ITO Road, New Delhi. National Institute of Disaster Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110728104132/http://nidm.gov.in/idmc/Proceedings/Flood/B2%20-%2036.pdf URBAN FLOODING AND ITS MANAGEMENT], 2006. India Disaster Management Congress.IIPA Campus, IP Estate, Near ITO Road, New Delhi. National Institute of Disaster Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
* [http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/Delhi.pdf ACTION PLAN, ABATEMENT OF POLLUTION IN CRITICALLY POLLUTED AREA OF NAJAFGARH DRAN BASIN INCLUDING OKHLA, NARAINA, ANAND PARBAT AND WAZIRPUR INDL AREAS, DELHI POLLUTION CONTROL COMMITTEE, 4th Floor, ISBT Building, Kashmere Gate, Delhi-6, March, 2011]
* [http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/Delhi.pdf ACTION PLAN, ABATEMENT OF POLLUTION IN CRITICALLY POLLUTED AREA OF NAJAFGARH DRAN BASIN INCLUDING OKHLA, NARAINA, ANAND PARBAT AND WAZIRPUR INDL AREAS, DELHI POLLUTION CONTROL COMMITTEE, 4th Floor, ISBT Building, Kashmere Gate, Delhi-6, March, 2011]
* [http://force.org.in/BLUE_DELHI_DECLARATION_WHITE_PAPER.pdf BLUE DELHI DECLARATION, White Paper on: Aiming for Sustainability and Self Sufficiency in Delhi Water Management – Evaluating Delhi’s Current Water Assets vis a vis their Utilisation]{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20240117023812/http://force.org.in/BLUE_DELHI_DECLARATION_WHITE_PAPER.pdf BLUE DELHI DECLARATION, White Paper on: Aiming for Sustainability and Self Sufficiency in Delhi Water Management – Evaluating Delhi’s Current Water Assets vis a vis their Utilisation]
* [https://www.scribd.com/doc/45314818/Urban-Flooding URBAN FLOODING DEMOGRAPHY AND URBANIZATION by Shashikant Nishant Sharma] snsharma.phd[at]gmail[dot]com 11/1/2010, SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE, Delhi
* [https://www.scribd.com/doc/45314818/Urban-Flooding URBAN FLOODING DEMOGRAPHY AND URBANIZATION by Shashikant Nishant Sharma] snsharma.phd[at]gmail[dot]com 11 January 2010, SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE, Delhi
* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12674375 Biodegradation of wastewater of Najafgarh drain, Delhi using autochthonous microbial consortia : a laboratory study.] by Sharma G, Mehra NK, Kumar R. Source Limnology Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi-1 10 007, India.
* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12674375 Biodegradation of wastewater of Najafgarh drain, Delhi using autochthonous microbial consortia : a laboratory study.] by Sharma G, Mehra NK, Kumar R. Source Limnology Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi-1 10 007, India.
* [http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/search/site/najafgarh%20drain A search for archived News Articles on Najafgarh Drain on the India Envirinmental Portal website]
* [http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/search/site/najafgarh%20drain A search for archived News Articles on Najafgarh Drain on the India Envirinmental Portal website]{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/news/city-get-its-1st-bird-sanctuary City to get its 1st bird sanctuary], 15/02/2005, [[Asian Age]] (New Delhi)
* [http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/news/city-get-its-1st-bird-sanctuary City to get its 1st bird sanctuary], 15 February 2005, [[Asian Age]] (New Delhi)
* [http://www.asianage.com/content/new-camp-jazz-tourism-city-soon New camp to jazz up tourism in city soon], 19 Apr 2010, Asian Age (New Delhi)
* [http://www.asianage.com/content/new-camp-jazz-tourism-city-soon New camp to jazz up tourism in city soon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515123838/https://www.asianage.com/content/new-camp-jazz-tourism-city-soon |date=15 May 2023 }}, 19 April 2010, Asian Age (New Delhi)
* [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20071001/delhi.htm#10 Delhiites to cool off with aqua sports], New Delhi, 30 September 2007, Tribune News Service, The Tiribune, Chandigarh
* [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20071001/delhi.htm#10 Delhiites to cool off with aqua sports], New Delhi, 30 September 2007, Tribune News Service, The Tiribune, Chandigarh
* [http://www.indiawaterportal.org/node/17361 Proposal for groundwater recharge in National Capital Region - A report by SK Sharma and Green Systems], Submitted by samir nazareth on 22 April 2011, India waterportal - Safe, sustainable water for all
* [http://www.indiawaterportal.org/node/17361 Proposal for groundwater recharge in National Capital Region – A report by SK Sharma and Green Systems] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718124433/http://www.indiawaterportal.org/node/17361 |date=18 July 2012 }}, Submitted by samir Nazareth on 22 April 2011, India waterportal – Safe, sustainable water for all


==External links==
==External links==
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* [http://delhi.gov.in:/wps/wcm/connect/doit_irrigation/Irrigation+and+Flood+Control/Home/About+Us Irrigation & Flood Control Department], Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, India
* [http://delhi.gov.in:/wps/wcm/connect/doit_irrigation/Irrigation+and+Flood+Control/Home/About+Us Irrigation & Flood Control Department], Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, India
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111126100652/http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/environment/Environment/Home/Achievements Plantation/Greening of Delhi], Department of Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi, India
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111126100652/http://www.delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/environment/Environment/Home/Achievements Plantation/Greening of Delhi], Department of Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi, India
* [http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=5448197410&topic=7219 facebook Topic: Delhi - Najafgarh Drain Birdwatching Report]
* [http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=5448197410&topic=7219 facebook Topic: Delhi – Najafgarh Drain Birdwatching Report]
* [http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=121103404605452&topic=35 facebook: Checklist of the Birds of the Najafgarh Jheel Region - Including adjoining areas of Dhansa Barrage and the Najafgarh Drain in Delhi], by Sajit P. Mohanan
* [http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=121103404605452&topic=35 facebook: Checklist of the Birds of the Najafgarh Jheel Region – Including adjoining areas of Dhansa Barrage and the Najafgarh Drain in Delhi], by Sajit P. Mohanan
* [http://groups.google.com/group/delhibirdpix/search?group=delhibirdpix&q=najafgarh+drain&qt_g=Search+this+group A Search for: Najafgarh drain on the Google group "delhibirdpix"]
* [http://groups.google.com/group/delhibirdpix/search?group=delhibirdpix&q=najafgarh+drain&qt_g=Search+this+group A Search for: Najafgarh drain on the Google group "delhibirdpix"]
* [http://m.timesofindia.com/city/delhi/u-turn-haryana-will-identify-najafgarh-lake-as-wetland/articleshow/56382251.cms U-turn: Haryana will identify Najafgarh lake as wetland, TNN, Times of India, Jan 7, 2017]
* [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/u-turn-haryana-will-identify-najafgarh-lake-as-wetland/articleshow/56382251.cms U-turn: Haryana will identify Najafgarh lake as wetland, TNN, Times of India, Jan 7, 2017]


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{{Hydrography of Rajasthan}}
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[[Category:Yamuna River]]
[[Category:Yamuna River]]
[[Category:Canals in India]]
[[Category:Canals in India]]
[[Category:Rivers of India]]

Latest revision as of 16:33, 13 March 2026


This article is about the drain. For bird sanctuary and wetland ecosystem, see Najafgarh drain bird sanctuary. For lake or jheel, see Najafgarh lake.

Najafgarh Drain
River Sahibi (Northernmost end)
Aerial view
Location
CountryIndia
CityDelhi
Physical characteristics
MouthYamuna River
 • location
Delhi, India
Basin features
River systemYamuna River
LandmarksNajafgarh lake, Najafgarh Drain Bird Sanctuary
Pollution statusHighly polluted due to sewage inflow
Aerial view
Najafgarh Drain flowing through Kakrola Bridge near Dwarka Sector 16.

The Najafgarh drain or Najafgarh nalah, which also acts as Najafgarh drain bird sanctuary, is another name for the northernmost end of River Sahibi, which continues its flow through Delhi, where it is channelized, and then flows into the Yamuna. Within Delhi, due to its channelization for flood control purposes, it is now erroneously called "Najafgarh drain", and gets this name from the once famous and huge Najafgarh Jheel (lake) near the town of Najafgarh in southwest Delhi and within urbanized Delhi.[1][2][3][4][5]

Background[edit | edit source]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Within the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT), this channelized waterway misclassified and misnamed as the Najafgarh drain or nullah (nalah in Hindi means rivulet or storm water drain) is the continuation of the Sahibi River and an elongation of the Najafgarh Lake.[6]

History[edit | edit source]

During the 1960s and before, the rain-fed Sahibi River, which originates in the Jaipur District of Rajasthan, passing through Alwar District in Rajasthan and Gurgaon District in Haryana, entered Delhi near Dhansa and spilled its overflow in the Najafgarh Lake basin. This overflow created a seasonal lake; an area of more than 300 square kilometres (120 sq mi) was submerged in some seasons. This water then continued to flow on the other side, forming a tributary of the River Yamuna. In the following decades, this Sahibi River flow reaching the Dhansa regulators was channelized by digging out a wide drain and connecting it directly to the River Yamuna. This channelization also drained off the seasonal Najafgarh Jheel that had formed there previously. The channelized drain from Dhansa regulators to Keshopur Bus Depot on Outer Ring Road is wide with thick and high embankments. A vast amount of water is retained in this widened drain by closing the Kakrola regulators under Najafgarh Road to recharge the local ground watertable; hence it acts like an elongated lake as well.[6] The drain has been much widened over the years to drain all the water which in earlier decades used to collect in the Nagafgarh Jheel basin; this was supposedly done to remove the threat of flooding in Delhi.[7][8] Before the draining of this lake in the 1960s by widening of the Najafgarh drain by the Flood control and irrigation department of Delhi the lake in many years filled up a depression more than 300 square kilometres (120 sq mi) in rural Delhi, It had an extremely rich wetland ecosystem forming a refuge for vast quantities of waterbirds and local wildlife. The lake was one of the last habitats of the famed and endangered Siberian Crane which has all but vanished from the Indian subcontinent now. Till before independence many British colonial Officers and dignitaries came in large parties for waterfowl hunting every season.[9][10][11]

Hydrology[edit | edit source]

Course[edit | edit source]

The 51 km-long Najafgarh drain starts at Dhansa and joins the Yamuna river near Wazirabad.[12][13][14] Najafgarh Drain is canalized after Bharat Nagar up to confluence to River Yamuna at Downstream Wazirabad Barrage.[15]

Wetland bird sanctuary[edit | edit source]

See also: Najafgarh drain bird sanctuary and Najafgarh lake

The wide and deep drain acts as an elongated lake maintaining water-level even during the summer months, leading to recharging of ground water table,[16][17] and the drain's elongated water body with trees planted on both its embankments acts as a wildlife and bird sanctuary which attracts vast numbers of migratory birds during the winter months and supports local wildlife year-round.[18][19][20]

Infrastructure[edit | edit source]

Forested embankments[edit | edit source]

The Najafgarh drain has been much widened over the past decades and now has thick mud embankments on both its sides to channel the waters and protect Delhi from floods. These embankments have been planted with thick forest cover which serve as a much needed habitat for remnant local wildlife occurring in nearby and surrounding farmlands including common foxes, jackals, hares, wild cats, nilgai, porcupines and various reptiles and snakes including the dreaded cobras. Many local birds including waterfowl roost and nest in these trees.

Sections of the forested embankments of Najafgarh drain are currently classified as and are featured in Protected Forests and Recorded Forests (Notified Forest Areas in Delhi) as "M. P. Green area Najafgarh Drain (Tagore garden)", "Afforestation M.P.Green Area Najafgarh Drain (DDA)" and "Chhawla or Najafgarh drain city forest (29.64 Acre)".[21][22][23][24][25]

Embankment highway[edit | edit source]

In May 2025, Delhi government announced construction of a 60.77 km long 2-lane major highway along the left bank of Najafgarh drain, including 5.94 km long Jhatikra-Chhawla in south and 54.83 km long Chhawla-Basai Dara Pur Bridge in north, connecting Dwarka Expressway, Urban Extension Road-II, Outer Ring Road, Inner Ring Road, Pankha Road, etc.[26] The existing drivable minor inspection road maintained by Irrigation and Flood Control Department of Delhi on drain's embankment, from Dhansa regulators at the southwest border of Delhi with the state of Haryana to where the drain crosses under the Outer Ring Road, will be upgraded to 2-lane highway.

Conservation[edit | edit source]

Irrigation and Flood Control Department of the Delhi Government, de-silted the drain to increase its storage capacity. Regulators at Kakraula and Dhansa retain the water. Presently the brackish water is improving with dilution. By retaining the water in the drain, the aquifers and groundwater table have been recharged and there is more water now for irrigation, enabling farmers 6 kilometres away from the drain to grow crops. Tube wells in the area have been discharging water copiously and in two years the water table is up by a meter.[12][13][14]

In January 2026, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department commissioned a Finnish-sourced amphibious multipurpose dredger, the Watermaster, along with three self-propelled hopper barges to desilt the drain and remove sludge, silt and aquatic weeds, with the drain estimated to account for nearly 70% of the total pollution load entering the Yamuna.[27][28] Officials described the deployment as part of a broader shift toward technology-driven, large-scale, sustained action intended to improve water flow, enhance Delhi’s flood resilience and reduce pollution before it reaches the Yamuna.[29][30]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Blot across the Capital: Najafgarh most polluted[dead link], Sunday, 10 July 2005, The Indian Express
  2. ↑ Environment minister raises a stink over Najafgarh jheel[dead link], 22 February 2005, The Indian Express
  3. ↑ Najafgarh basin Delhi’s most polluted area, 25 December 2009, The Indian Express
  4. ↑ Najafgarh drain 11th among highly polluted industrial clusters, 25 December 2009, The Times of India
  5. ↑ Najafgarh drain causes less pollution in Yamuna now Archived 11 July 2006 at the Wayback Machine, 4 July 2006, The Indian Express
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Flood Problem due to Sahibi River, Department of Irrigation and Flood Control, Government of NCT of Delhi, India. Website Last Updated : 3 May 2010, A sewage drain is now called the Yamuna, By Sonu Jain, 27 March 1999, Indian Express, CRUSADE: Killing Delhi’s Lifeline Archived 4 January 2013 at Archive.today, Charu Soni, 19 August 2006, New Delhi. Tehelka, Riversutra gone all wrong, By Sunita Narain, 5 June 2012, Times of India, ‘Better management in Haryana may solve Delhi’s water problems’, New Delhi, 22 March 2012, DHNS, Deccan herald, Sunita Narain bats for sustainable development, Express News Service : Pune, Tue 28 February 2012, The Indian Express
  7. ↑ Flood Problem due to Sahibi River, Department of Irrigation and Flood Control, Government of NCT of Delhi, India.
  8. ↑ URBAN FLOODING AND ITS MANAGEMENT Archived 28 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine, [1]
  9. ↑ Najafgarh marsh: "The (Najafgarh) marsh was a favored duck-shoot ground of the British, but was eventually drained out into the Najafgarh Nallah." Strategy Framework for Delhi beyond the Commonwealth Games 2010 Archived 29 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine, BY DANNY CHERIAN, 2004
  10. ↑ [A Guide to the Birds of the Delhi Area (1975) by Usha Ganguli, a member of the Delhi Birdwatching Society.]
  11. ↑ [Birdwatching Articles from 1961-70 from Najafgarh lake by Usha Ganguli in "Newsletter for Birdwatchers" edited by Zafar Futehally]
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Don't cloud the issue – USHA RAI looks at some success stories in rainwater harvesting that should convince those of us who are still sceptical, 22 Dec 2002, The Hindu
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Proposal for Ground Water Recharge in National Capital Region (NCR) Dr S.K. Sharma Ground Water Expert Archived 10 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine, [2]
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Groundwater to be recharged at Najafgarh, Mungeshwar drains Archived 13 March 2007 at the Wayback Machine, 10 March 2007, The Indian Express
  15. ↑ Bio-Monitoring of Wetlands in Wild Life Habitats of Birds Sanctuaries in India – Case Studies Ands, Part-1 Bird sanctuaries, `PARIVESH', July 2003, Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment and Forests of India Archived 10 April 2009 at the Library of Congress Web Archives, [3] Archived 25 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine, "Bird Sanctuaries". Archived from the original on 10 April 2009. Retrieved 22 April 2011., [4] Archived 25 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine, [5] Archived 14 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 3 May 2011
  16. ↑ Groundwater to be recharged at Najafgarh, Mungeshwar drains, by Teena Thacker, New Delhi, 9 March 2007. Archived copy Internet Archive accessed on 4 October 2012
  17. ↑ [Delhi tightens belt to cope with drought], PTI, 2 August 2002, The Times of India
  18. ↑ DTTDC to develop bird sanctuary near Najafgarh Archived 15 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine, 12 January 2003, The Indian Express
  19. ↑ Migratory birds are giving Delhi the go-by, 17 January 2010, The Hindu
  20. ↑ Najafgarh jheel may chirp again[dead link], 20 August 2006, The Indian Express
  21. ↑ Plantation/Greening of Delhi Archived 26 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Department of Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi, India website, "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 8 December 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  22. ↑ RECORDED FORESTS (NOTIFIED FOREST AREAS IN DELHI), Forest Department, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, India, [6]
  23. ↑ "Search for Najafgarh drain on Forest Department, Government of NCT of Delhi, India website". Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 1 December 2011.
  24. ↑ "Bird sanctuary proposed in Najafgarh" – PROTECTED AREA UPDATE, No. 39 October 2002, Kalpavriksh Archived 5 August 2012 at Archive.today
  25. ↑ Another city forest opened – Delhi will soon have 32 of them, says Sheila, New Delhi, 29 Jun 2008, The Hindu Newspaper
  26. ↑ 60 km long road along Najafgarh drain, TOI, 19 May 2025.
  27. ↑ "Imported Rs 8-crore dredger begins work to clean Yamuna". The Indian Express. 17 January 2026. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
  28. ↑ Verma, Anup (17 January 2026). "Yamuna gets GPS-based dredger for sludge and weed clearance". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
  29. ↑ "Finland-made advanced dredger deployed to clean Najafgarh Drain". The Tribune. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
  30. ↑ "Delhi Uses Rs 8-Crore High-Tech Finnish Machine To Tackle Yamuna Pollution". www.ndtv.com. Archived from the original on 17 January 2026. Retrieved 2 February 2026.

Further reading[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

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