For anyone who grew up in Faridabad, the name Badkhal Lake often brings a mix of nostalgia and disappointment. Once a popular picnic spot, it slowly dried up and turned into barren land, its charm lost for over two decades. Today, the lake is making a comeback, water is back, and plans are underway for musical fountains and laser shows that promise to put Badkhal back on the tourism map. The question is: will it actually deliver?
The Long Road to Revival
The revival of Badkhal Lake began in 2018 under the ₹100 crore Smart City Mission project. It sounded ambitious, restore the lake, build a marina, add smart parking, and turn the place into a tourist hub. But deadlines came and went: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and even 2024. As of September 2025, progress is finally visible.
- Water restoration is around 80% complete.
- The lakefront and marina are 85% complete.
- Smart parking stands at 82% complete.
For the first time in years, the lake is filled with water again, thanks to a dedicated sewage treatment plant that pumps in around 5 MLD of treated water daily. Yet, nature has thrown in a curveball, water hyacinth has covered much of the lake, suffocating fish and blocking sunlight. Locals call it “a green carpet hiding the blue.”
Why the Buzz About Fountains and Laser Shows?
Musical fountains aren’t new, but they’ve become big crowd-pullers worldwide. Globally, this industry is booming, worth USD 800 million in 2024 and set to double by 2033.
India has its share of success stories:
- Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar Lake hosts a ₹45 crore laser show that draws thousands of visitors.
- Dal Lake in Kashmir saw such a rush during its fountain trial run that the government had to schedule three laser shows daily.
Closer to home, Delhi’s Akshardham Temple fountain and Gujarat’s Science City multimedia laser show are proof that water, light, and music, when blended well, can transform public spaces into major attractions.
For Badkhal, the idea is simple: create an iconic laser show piece that makes families from Delhi and Gurgaon say, “Chalo Faridabad chalte hain.”
Tourism Potential: A Weekend Escape for NCR
Delhi recorded 39.4 million domestic tourists in 2023, a huge jump from 27.2 million in 2022. With Badkhal just 32 km away, even a fraction of that traffic could transform Faridabad’s economy. Musical fountains have been laser shown to increase footfall by 15–20% and keep visitors around for longer—good news for local food stalls, boating operators, and hotels.
The Haryana government is also backing this push, with a ₹30 crore beautification plan that includes boating, landscaped gardens, kids’ play areas, and food courts. Officials want Badkhal to become Faridabad’s answer to Ayodhya’s revamped tourist landscape.
The Roadblocks No One Can Ignore
But it’s not all lights and music. There are hurdles:
- Ecological worries: The use of treated sewage water risks over-enrichment, leading to algae and fish kills. Without reforestation in the Aravallis and strict mining control, the lake could remain artificial rather than natural.
- Community frustration: Locals complain about endless dust, garbage, and broken roads due to the never-ending construction.
- Escalating costs: What started as a ₹79 crore project has now ballooned close to ₹100 crore, with new beautification funds on top.
As one resident puts it, “Har saal nayi deadline aati hai. Kabhi khatam hi nahi hota yeh kaam.” (Every year they announce a new deadline. The work just never seems to end.)
What Success Could Look Like
If done right, Badkhal could become Faridabad’s pride. Imagine families taking boat rides in the evening, grabbing snacks at lakeside cafes, and staying back to watch the fountain dance to Bollywood songs under laser show -lit skies. It could turn into a weekend ritual for NCR families, much like India Gate or Akshardham is for Delhi.
Economically, it could be a game changer. Faridabad is already growing fast, property values rising by 8% annually, GDP growing 7% on average, and new expressways promising a boom. Tourism could add a cultural and recreational layer to the city’s industrial identity.
Final Word: Hope with a Caution
Badkhal Lake’s revival is more than a beautification project—it’s about giving Faridabad a cultural landmark. Musical fountains and laser shows could indeed attract crowds and change the city’s image. But without timely execution, proper maintenance, and real environmental care, the project risks becoming just another expensive attraction that fades away after the initial excitement.
For now, the laser show lake reflects both promise and uncertainty. The water is back, the plans are big, and the lights are almost ready. All that remains is to see whether Badkhal finally shines—or stays stuck in the shadows of delay.
