Bhuj

Bhuj, a city with a population of 0.21 million, lies in a water-scarce region and is home to a 450-year old man-made lake – Hamirsar Lake, created to store water and sustain the city. Over the years, the lake has become polluted and has shrunk in size, thereby losing its ability to recharge the aquifers in the city.

Type of issue

Water security

Water security is a major problem in Bhuj, primarily due to its arid climate and inconsistent rainfall. Increased urbanisation and the introduction of a piped water system have increased the reliance on external water resources, while the existing water resource of the city lies abandoned and unmaintained. This has prevented the public from taking up an active role and getting involved in the maintenance and management of the existing water resource. Bhuj has successfully demonstrated pilot projects that integrate grey and green solutions to conserve water over time through participatory actions. However, these solutions have remained just pilot projects, lacking the statutory or legal backing necessary for effective upscaling, participation, and sustainability.

Connected processes

Improve watershed governance collaboration

Ensure public participation in governance

Resources

Policy Brief

Bhuj policy brief made by Water4Change

Bhuj descriptive atlas

Bhuj descriptive atlas made by Water4Change

Bhuj projective atlas

Bjuh projective atlas made by Water4Change

Let's connect!

Water Sensitivity Compass Water4Change