Delhi: Boating revival at Purana Qila hits fresh hurdle

Plans to restart boating at the 16th-century Purana Qila have hit another setback, pushing the much-anticipated relaunch back by nearly three months, Patriot has learned.

According to officials familiar with the development, the delay is due to faulty boats supplied by the contractor.

An official from the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) Delhi circle told Patriot that the boats delivered were defective, causing yet another postponement.

“We recently received five boats, but unfortunately, they were incorrectly designed,” the official revealed.

“Normally, pedal boats have pedals in the centre so that passengers on both sides can operate them. However, these boats had pedals only on one side, making them unusable for those seated on the opposite side,” the official explained.

“As a result, all five boats were rejected, and the contractor has been instructed to supply properly designed boats as soon as possible.”

Also read: Maharashtra’s bond with Nutan Marathi School: A legacy of cultural pride

An official from Rishikesh Infra, the Delhi based agency executing the project, expressed optimism that the boating facility will be operational by mid-May.

“Once completed, this will be an exceptional project. We want visitors to feel they are getting their money’s worth when they choose to experience boating here,” he said

He added that the goal is to establish Purana Qila as a premier boating destination, reducing the need for people to travel to places like Goa for such experiences.

To enhance the boating experience, the agency has ordered 20 boats—10 two-seaters and 10 four-seaters—at a cost of over Rs 50 lakh. Additionally, an electric boat, costing another Rs 50 lakh, is also in production.

The boats are being sourced from PRP Enterprises, a Bhopal-based company that built India’s first fully integrated firefighting boat, currently deployed at the Kumbh Mela.

Over 100 life jackets, catering to visitors aged six and above, have also been procured.

A unique boating experience

If completed as planned, the project could become one of Delhi’s largest and most scenic boating facilities.

The executing agency has prioritised essential amenities, including toilets, drinking water, and a restaurant for visitors.

“We are setting up three jetties for smooth boarding and are also planning a small viewpoint at the entrance, where visitors can sit and enjoy the lake,” the official said. A two-booth ticket counter is also under consideration.

Additionally, the agency plans to host evening musical events by the lake to enhance the ambience.

During winter, special floating jetties will be introduced in the middle of the lake, where visitors can enjoy food and snacks. A golf cart service will also be available to transport elderly visitors from the main entrance to the boating area.

The entire project is estimated to cost around Rs 25 crore.

The project is being overseen by Sabhyata Foundation, a part of the Dalmia Bharat Group, which has adopted several monuments in Delhi for their upkeep.

Also read: Over 5,000 notices issued for violations at Delhi’s protected monuments

A long-delayed project

ASI officials stated that boating was scheduled to begin in January 2025, but it did not commence as planned.

Boating at Purana Qila Lake was discontinued in 2016. Although the Delhi Tourism Department repeatedly urged the ASI to allow its resumption, no progress was made for years.

Recreational boating at Purana Qila Lake was started by the Delhi Tourism Department in 1991. In 2007, the lake was transferred to ASI, and an agreement was signed under which Delhi Tourism would pay 12.5% of its boating revenue to ASI annually.

However, in 2016, the lake dried up due to official negligence. Although the lake was later restored, boating remained suspended.

An ASI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Delhi Tourism failed to maintain the monument’s infrastructure, including parking facilities, toilets, and a facilitation centre.

“Since they did not fulfil their obligations, the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) was later brought in to take over the project, which further delayed progress,” the official said.

ASI officials are now confident that water shortages will no longer be an issue.

“We have implemented a rainwater harvesting system and a sewage treatment plant (STP) to ensure the lake remains full,” an official assured.

“With these measures in place, boating at Purana Quila is finally expected to resume—hopefully this time without further delays,” he said.