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Lake, Faridabad

Badkal Lake

Dry for years, Badkal has water again, pumped in as treated sewage. The tourist works around it are running years late and the water quality is disputed.

Directions (opens Google Maps)

What it is

Badkal was made soon after Independence by damming the gap between two Aravalli hills. From the 1970s to the 1990s it was a favourite weekend outing from Delhi, with boating and a Haryana Tourism resort by the water. Mining, quarrying and borewells cut off its supply, and by 2009 it was completely dry.

A revival project, budgeted at Rs 79 crore under the Smart City programme, began in 2018. A sewage treatment plant in Sector 21 now feeds the lake, and by 2025 the deepest point held around 7 metres of water. A marina, two-level decks and a boating bay were planned but had missed five deadlines by late 2024.

The water

Water hyacinth has spread over much of the surface. In June 2026 Down To Earth reported residents describing the water as black and foul-smelling, and environmentalists blaming it for the deaths of nearly 1,000 trees nearby. Officials say the water meets norms, and the state has promised an inquiry.

Getting there

Badkal Mor on the Violet Line is the closest station, then a short auto ride. By car, head towards Badkhal Chowk, which is slow at peak hours.

Good to know

We could not confirm whether the new decks or boating are open to the public. Treat it as a place to look at, not to touch the water, and check recent local news before making a trip of it.

More places in Faridabad

VenueSurajkundA 10th-century stepped reservoir in the Aravallis and, beside it, the ground where the Surajkund crafts mela runs every year from late January into February.Badarpur Border, 4–5 kmParkTown Park, Sector 12Faridabad's biggest town park, around 40 acres in Sector 12. Good for a long walk or a run, though the upkeep has slipped in recent years.Badkal Mor or Old FaridabadMonumentRaja Nahar Singh PalaceBallabgarh's 18th-century palace, tucked into the old market at Ambedkar Chowk. Haryana Tourism runs it as a small heritage hotel with a restaurant.Raja Nahar SinghWildlifeAsola Bhatti Wildlife SanctuaryThe Aravalli forest on the Delhi side of the border, run by the Delhi forest department. Easy morning walks near the Tughlakabad gate, and Neeli Jheel deep inside.Tughlakabad, then auto

All places to visit in Faridabad