Since early 2001 extensive excavations, studies, analysis, proposals have been prepared and discussed towards the possible alternate schemes for the restoration of flowing water to the channels. Between 1902 and 1985 the water channels have had their slopes altered at least on four occasions, thereby altering their ‘original’ character to an enormous extent. Amongst the effects of this is that water could flow in no constant direction, leading to constant overflow and a high degree of seepage.

There are over 3500 m of water channels in the 30 acre garden enclosure of which roughly 60%could be restored for flowing water without serious alteration and without any need to introduce pumps within the garden. For the 2200m of water channels to be restored for flowing water, major repairs were required which included partially dismantling the channels. These included providing a lime concrete base, wall surface of brick tiles in lime mortar, covered with a layer of molasses and traditional fruit extracts which serve as waterproofing over which a layer of lime compatible waterproofing surface and then a penultimate layer of lime plaster followed by a final layer of lime punning. The slope of the restored channels is between 1: 3000 - 1:4000 i.e. a drop of 1 centimetre for every 30 - 40 meters.

The channels where no water flow is proposed, such as those in the south-western section, have been repaired in all respects including final lime plaster and lime punning. The beds of these channels have not been disturbed and no waterproofing treatment has been done for these water channels.

The conservation approach adopted, coupled with the need to conserve water influenced the decision to not restore flowing water to 100% of the system. Also, for three water channels in the eastern side of the garden, the original bedding, considered to be dating from the 16th century, was found. These channels were considered significant enough to be preserved without any alteration and as such these channels do not hold any flowing water.
The water shall mostly flow from west to east, as would have done historically, with the help of gravity. Water shall be collected in the sunken eastern area and taken out of the garden to the balancing tanks and filtration plants, to the north of the enclosure, from where it shall be pumped back into the system. The amount of water required for the initial fill in the system would be close to 300 cum (under 10% of the amount used at India Gate). Continuous recirculation would mean that the daily water requirement, due to evaporation losses would be under 15000 liters (or the requirement of 15 residences) or less. The water in the garden is also expected to further encourage birdlife in the area