Bengaluru: HAL has joined hands with International Association for Human Values (IAHV), a sister organization of the Art of Living to rejuvenate Kumudavathi river, a tributary of river Arkavathi that originates from Shivagange hills in Neelamangala Taluk of Bengaluru rural district.
“We decided to adopt this Tavarekere mini-water shed and provide the much needed life-line to the river that catered to 30% of Bengaluru’s water needs in the past”, said VM Chamola, Director, Human Resources at a program held on April 25, 2015 at village Adihosahalli around 70 km from Bangalore. Revival of dried up natural water resources is the key objective of this entire initiative to help the villagers and spruce-up the natural habitat in the region.
There are 18 mini water sheds planned over the whole river basin declared as “over-exploited” and no “borewell zone”. Chamola symbolically handed over structures to leaders representing the Gram Panchayats of Dodbella, Tyamgondlu, Kodigihalli and Manne to mark the occasion. Large number of villagers were present on the occasion.
HAL project covering around 26 km radius has ensured construction of boulder checks (34), recharging of well (34) and borewells (7), building of water pools (10) of 20 x 20 meters with five meter depth and planting of 5000 saplings that include tamarind, ala, arali, neem, torematti, mahagani etc. These plants help in long term soil restoration and enhance water absorbing.
The river basin is spread over 460 sq. km and has 278 villages in the catchment area. The Kumudavathi river was providing water to Tippagondanahalli reservoir which in turn was supplying water to 30% of Bengaluru city. At present reservoir is almost dry with scanty inflow from the river.
Natural streams can be revived by reducing the soil erosion, increasing soil moisture, artificially accelerating the process of ground water recharge and by increasing the natural vegetation.
