Article by Mansi Anand

Here is something interesting for all the environment lovers and the citizens of
Bhuj!
Greenbelt in the city of Bhuj developed by recycling sewerage water: a new initiative
The network of rivulets passing through the city
of Bhuj brings life to the lake systems of the
Hamirsar- a lake built over 450 years ago by
Rao Khengarji – I who chose this place as an
oasis in saline and arid kutch. Over several
decades, canals and tunnels were developed to
bring together water from 3 river systems to
recharge the acquifer.
Hunnarshaala Foundation, an Organisation that
promotes low cost eco friendly technologies, in
partnership with the Bhuj Municipality, initiated a pilot
project for greening half a meter stretch of the rivulet
that meets the Hamirsar. The canal falls between the
Mandvi and Mundra road. Through this project, 30,000
lts of sewerage water is taken from the municipality
sump, daily, and is recycled through Decentralized
Waste Water Treatment System (DEWATS). The
treated water is used to landscape the banks through drip
irrigation system.
The project was supported by American India
Foundation (AIF) and Care Today- India Today Group.
With the recent rains in the city the canal has come alive!
Once a garbage dump, the neglected rivulet
has gained life now. The residents of the
nearby apartments- Banker’s Colony & Siddhi
Vinayak Apartment participated in the
cleaning of the canal and plantation of trees,
and have started accessing it as a recreational
space.
Hamirsar lake that
overflowed in 2003
There are more such sites in Bhuj
where similar systems can be
installed to develop the rivulets
as green belts, and create a space
for ecosystem to coexist right in
the middle of the city!