When Delhi Development Authority (DDA) decided to develop the Hauz Khas village, their efforts led to the drying of the river for notable years. As a rectification to the occurrence, a new plan was executed in 2004 with an intention of storming the generated water in Delhi’s southern ridge abaft an embankment. As per the plans, it was further diverted into the lake. Also, as per few outside sources, it is said that the Sanjay Van Lake’s treatment plant acts as a source to feed some of the water into Hauz Khas Lake. The lake is therefore, currently revived with all the collective efforts  by The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). Besides this, there is a beautiful park in the surrounding, which has been developed with quite a lot of zest and activeness. This park consists of a long pavement area to provide people with comfortable jogging and walking space. The park renovation has been recently carried out and has received quite a good response from the visitors. At present, the surrounding place and the so-called ecstatic and royal lake is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Delhi to visit. The Delhi Development Authority recently chose The Braj Foundation in 2014 to restore this water body. The place has got an extremely mesmerizing ambience.

History

During the reign of Alauddin Khilji (1296–1316) the excavation of the water tank was done in Delhi’s second city. This plan has been executed with a view of meeting the newly built Siri Fort’s water supply needs. After Khilji, this fort was originally known as Hauz-i-Alai. But, Tughlaq dynasty’s Firuz Shah Tughlaq (1351–88) excavated the cracked tank again and cleaned the inlet channels, which appeared to be clogged. The tank was basically nearly stretched in the area of 50 ha (123.6 acres) with dimensions of 700 m length, 600 m width and with 4 m depth of water. During the early stages after it was built, its storage capacity was assumed to be 0.8 Mcum as per the reports, with concluding monsoons. Presently the tank is not that big enough as before. The reason behind this is the substantial reduction in the tank sixe because of the siltation as well as encroachment. Yet, it is very much well maintained.

Geography

If the game of treasure hunt is being played in the village of Hauz Khas, there would not be any bigger treasure than Lake house 23. Unlike most other Hauz Khas Village cafes, this lake house showcases quite a crude feel. Several plants, bamboo mats and animal pictures make this place much huger and opened up than it seems. People, those who prefer sitting inside, are facilitated with bed/couch sections.

How to Reach

Take the Aurbindo Marg towards the Hauz Khas enclave. While travelling by a metro, Green Park stations and the Hauz Khas (on the Yellow Line) are only 5-minutes auto-ride..

Timing

Mon to Sat (10 am to 7.30 pm); Sunday (Closed)

Charges

No entry fee