Here's why Bhuj's water systems are in the news

Theres some good news for the residents of Bhuj World Monuments Fund WMF a key independent organisation that helps safeguard the worldrsquos most treasured places has recently announced four new conservation and sustainability projects at four heritage sites in the 2025 World Monuments Watch This list includes the historic water systems step wells and canals of BhujWith support in the form of a threeyear partnership with Accor the global hospitality leader the initiative will help revive these original water collection systems that have stood the test of time To outline and gauge the longterm benefits of this nomination Sunday midday reached out to Beacuteneacutedicte de Montlaur president and CEO of World Monuments Fund WMFExcerpts from the interviewSUNDAY MIDDAY What were some of the key defining factors that led to Bhujrsquos water systems being included on 2025rsquos World Monuments WatchBEacuteNEacuteDICTE DE MONTLAUR Bhujrsquos historic water systems were included on the 2025 World Monuments Watch because they exemplify centuries of innovation in sustainable resource management mdash designed to support life in an arid landscape The systemrsquos partial disuse and the cityrsquos growing reliance on external and bottled water supply have disconnected the community from this vital heritage In an era of climate instability Bhuj offers a powerful model for how traditional knowledge can help address urgent water security challengesAerial view of Bhujrsquos central artificial lake system showing Chhatardi and Hamirsar Lakes Pic CourtesyWorld Monuments FundSMD Why are historic water systems an important element to built heritage in todayrsquos timesBDM Historic water systems are an integral part of built heritage because they merge engineering ingenuity with cultural meaning They offer lowcarbon communitydriven solutions to water management that are more relevant than ever in the face of climate change In cities like Bhuj these systems remind us that infrastructure can be sustainable adaptive and deeply rooted in placebased traditionsSMD Were there any eyeopeners for the team at WMF while reviewing this nomination as a wholeBDM One major realisation was how deeply embedded water is in Bhujrsquos identity mdash not just as a resource but as a cultural touchstone celebrated in festivals and civic life The scale and interconnectedness of the system mdash from underground qanats ancient water system to surface step wells mdash also surprised us It became clear that this wasnrsquot just about conserving structures but about restoring a citywide system and the ecological and cultural knowledge that sustained itHamirsar Lake with a view towards Pragmahal November 2023 Pic CourtesyJay Anjaria Homes in the CitySMD What will be the first step in conserving this historic water system And what are some of the obvious challenges that you foreseeBDM Plans are currently being developed to better understand and address the condition of the Chouvis Kuva ni Aav a historic system that once fed Hamirsar Lake through an underground network Anticipated challenges include physical deterioration of the structures pressures from urban expansion and limited public awareness of the systemrsquos cultural and environmental valueSMD India heavily relies on the monsoon for its water needs What do you envision as the longterm benefits of this conservation projectBDM Reviving Bhujrsquos traditional water systems can increase the cityrsquos resilience to monsoon variability and climatedriven water stress Over time this project could become a national model mdash showing how historic infrastructure can complement modern systems to support urban water security It also offers social benefits by reengaging communities with heritage and creating new opportunities for education stewardship and sustainable tourismThe Ramkund step well near Hamirsar Lake has stored water for Bhuj inhabitants for centuries Pic CourtesyWorld Monuments FundSMD What role did Jigna Desai and Jayashree Bardhan of the Centre for Heritage Conservation play to put this water system in the spotlightBDM Launched in 1996 the World Monuments Watch is a biennial initiative that brings international attention to heritage places facing urgent challenges while catalysing collaborative action to ensure their longterm preservation Sites are most often nominated by individuals and communitybased organisations making the Watch a powerful platform to elevate local voices and spotlight the deep connections communities maintain with their heritage We are honoured that Professors Jigna Desai and Jayashree Bardhan of the Centre for Heritage Conservation at CEPT University in Ahmedabad had nominated Bhujrsquos historic water systems for inclusion Their leadership and vision were instrumental in bringing this remarkable site to global attention through the 2025 World Monuments WatchRajon ki Baoli one of the historic water systems in India that World Monuments Fund had recently completed Pic CourtesyWorld Monuments FundSMD To improve water resource management how can India better utilise the science and engineering of step wells for the rest of the countryBDM Indiarsquos traditional water systems mdash including their step wells tanks and aqueducts mdash offer timetested models of environmental adaptation Better integration starts with recognising these systems as living infrastructure not just historic relics With targeted investment public awareness campaigns and incentives for municipalities these technologies can be revived to meet todayrsquos needs Doing so would not only address water scarcity but also preserve a vital part of Indiarsquos cultural and scientific heritageLOG ON TO wwwwmforg