A new survey of water bodies in just one district of the Capital has thrown up alarming results -- encroachment, neglect and even disappearance. This, when the Delhi High Court has instructed the Government to step up efforts for water body preservation and restoration. Also, government agencies that are mandated to preserve these water bodies are actually responsible for encroachment in several areas.

The study that was conducted by Diwan Singh of the non-government organisation Natural Heritage First in South West Delhi between December 2011 and May 2012 assessed the present condition of water bodies in the city.