Eco-restoration of Ghata Jheel and Bundh
About the Eco-restoration of Ghata Jheel and Bundh
The Ghata Bundh, a historic landmark built in the late 1800s, was once a vital component of the region’s flood protection and groundwater recharge system. This formidable embankment, standing at around 5 metres tall and nestled at the base of the majestic Aravali mountains, played a crucial role in safeguarding the nearby city from the wrath of floods. Today, the Ghata Bundh still stands proud, its verdant surroundings now protected as a guarded forest.
However, the situation upstream of the bundh is vastly different. The once extensive submergence area that once spanned 60-100 hectares has now been drastically reduced, and the land that remains is privately owned and earmarked for construction. The impact of this loss has been severe as the Ghata Bundh now drains into a scarce water catchment area, making nearby projects vulnerable to flooding and damage during heavy rain.
Recognising the importance of preserving water bodies and groundwater recharge zones, the Regional Plan 2021 has designated such areas as Nature Conservation Zones (NCV). The Ghata Bundh submergence area, with its critical role in the region’s eco-restoration efforts, is a crucial component of this vision.
Current Conditions, Characteristics and Challenges
The Bundh boasts a charming, rustic trail that winds its way along its length. The path varies in width, with some parts accommodating vehicles from the access road, while others are narrower and cater to pedestrians heading towards Ghata village and the barrage. The slopes surrounding the catchment area on both sides are lush with vegetation, offering glimpses of the cityscape from certain cleared viewpoints. Despite its natural beauty, some slopes on the Bundh have become unstable over time, causing erosion and settling in certain areas.
With the potential to serve a variety of purposes, the Ghata Bundh can be utilised for recreational activities, ecological restoration, and even as a heritage trail, connecting visitors to the rich history of the area.
However, the Ghata Bundh stands in dire need of rehabilitation and preservation efforts. Its slopes, once sturdy and resilient, now show signs of erosion and instability, begging for restoration. In addition to this, the once pristine catchment areas are now contaminated with sewage, impairing the site’s ability to effectively recharge groundwater. To rectify this, the sewerage points need to be blocked and the remaining catchment areas revitalised. A comprehensive plan to expand the submergence areas, not just at Ghata Bundh but also in other areas, is imperative to ensure efficient groundwater recharge and proper storm water discharge. A thorough cleaning of the earth, construction debris, and domestic waste will also aid in restoring the site to its former glory.
The Restoration Masterplan
The main objectives of this work-in-progress restoration project are to promote and preserve a water heritage, foster a cultural landscape, cultivate a native forest habitat, be resource conscious, and create people-centric places.
iamgurgaon aims to do this in four main phases -
In the first phase of its revitalisation process, iamgurgaon is seeking out and identifying areas in need of water catchment. This will be followed by the initiation of a rigorous process of cleaning, clearing, and consolidating the remaining Ghata Lake catchment. As part of its second phase, iamgurgaon is working to manage stormwater by grading and segregating contaminated water, creating treatment edges and/or bunds, and stabilising degraded slopes. In its third phase, iamgurgaon is performing ecological restoration by grading and designing the landscape, delineating and protecting the site, and reusing and reconfiguring waste into site features and elements. The final phase involves the establishment of heritage trails and spaces. iamgurgaon is aiming to do this through an inviting arrival experience where residents can enjoy a range of accessible urban nature trails and pathways.
The Ghata Bundh Doers and Believers
