PLANNING FOR REJUVENATION OF TRADITIONAL WATER SYSTEM OF JODHPUR CITY

Abstract

Jodhpur, also known as 'blue city', is situated in the desert landscape of Rajasthan, where it is critical to manage water. Thus, the city had an extraordinary Water Management System that harvested, conserved and managed each and every drop of rainwater. This highly sophisticated water infrastructure comprises Canal System and numerous surface water bodies and groundwater bodies. However, with the onset of the water supply system supported by the Indira Gandhi Canal providing perennial water from the rivers of Punjab, the city's water bodies have been neglected, making the indigenous water structures obsolete. In addition, due to unregulated development and tourism, as well as cultural misuse, the water system started experiencing degeneration. Eventually, a few water bodies of the city were converted into parks and residential colonies. Mining of minerals, the emergence of various industries and encroachment of the catchment area of water bodies further accelerated the degeneration of the age-old water system of the city. The rejuvenation of the Traditional Water system thus becomes imperative as it would contribute to the city's economy and foster biodiversity, cultural, and religious practices. It would also add to the recreation and aesthetic value of the city.