Sanjay Jheel (lake), is a popular artificial lake and park adjacent to Mayur Vihar near a metro station of the same name on the DMRC Pink Line. The lake, originated as a natural low-lying depression in East Delhi's trans-Yamuna area, where rainwater collected and runoff from the Hindon River flowed, surrounded by villages like Patparganj and agricultural lands.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) transformed it into an artificial lake in the 1970s, initially spanning 89 acres within a 178-acre park, and officially opened it to the public in 1982. This followed the development of Mayur Vihar Phase-II in 1981-82, where part of the lowland was preserved and reshaped into the lake and surrounding green belt. Further shrinkage occurred due to encroachments, unauthorized construction, and sewage inflow from nearby slums; in 2009, DDA transferred management to the Delhi Tourism Department. Legal efforts, including a 2009 public interest litigation, highlighted ongoing revival needs amid pollution threats.
Over the last 15 years it became a nice neighborhood park but sometimes you still see nuisance from some anti-social elements demamnding a stricter security enforcement to deter such activities.
It was a sunny and windy day today and the air outside didn't feel as foul as it was over the previous couple of months promoting me for another day out.
Sanjay Jheel, Mayur Vihar that lay dry has finally got water, not to its capacity however, good enough to attract mogratory birds. But the last two years of the dry lake ( DDA emptied it in May 2023) took birds away from it in the winters of 2023 and 2024. I spotted a few birds but of the 90+ varieties (and thousands in numbers) of the birds I could see and count only up to 15 ( my Merlin birding app counted 19) and numbers were negligible perhaps a total of under 100. I am not sure if the migratory birds have deserted it forever or we can still hope for their return in future.
However, I was glad to see the water, greens and children playing football and cricket.. the usual sight of gamblers ( in such parks around the country) was not missed.
Mayur Vihar, Delhi.
December 24, 2025.
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The lake used to attract several migratory birds during winter until 2022. In the summer of 2023 authorities maintained the lake and surrounding geens dug up the lake after emptying its water resulting in a total withdrawal/boycott of migratory birds who may have made a new home elsewhere. A few months back the water was pumped back but a visit today made me conclude that birds are still elusive. Only 10% of species (in type and number) are visiting. One can only hope that the place attracts more birds in future.
Sanjay Jheel(Lake), Mayur Vihar, Delhi.
December 24, 2025
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