Indore: Why Bilawali Pond has filled only up to 18 feet despite enough rainfall
Bilawali Pond in Indore, which once supplied water to the city, is now under threat of survival. The reasons include buildings and homes taking over the area around it, and the construction of a bypass that has damaged its natural water paths.
The new channels built during the bypass construction have also been blocked. This pond used to fill up to 34 feet every year, but it has been getting smaller in recent years. Even though there was enough rainfall this year, Bilawali has filled only up to 18.2 feet so far.
This situation needs more awareness, not just concern. The Holkar kings created this pond to help keep the city’s water supply balanced. They called it a tank, and it used to collect water that was distributed directly. The pond covers over 1,000 acres, but now it is only 60% full.
Pond is very important for maintaining the water levels
Experts say that Bilawali Pond, along with another pond, is very important for maintaining the water levels in the city. If it continues to shrink, the groundwater in many areas could be affected. This pond helps keep the water level stable for more than thirty nearby neighborhoods.
IMC plans to turn this area into a tourist spot
The Indore Municipal Corporation plans to turn this area into a tourist spot, with a water sports center and places to stay overnight, costing around 30 crore rupees. However, if there is not enough water, this plan could be in danger.
The pond is struggling to fill up even after rain because the channels that used to bring water from the hills are now blocked and filled in. Residential areas have developed around the channel from Rau-Fatankhedi, and their sewage is polluting this channel. This has caused it to become clogged with water hyacinth, which is bad for drainage during the rainy season. Additionally, garages near the main channels are letting wastewater flow into the pond.