Project Summary

The project aimed at mainstreaming groundwater concerns in Bhuj and integrating decentralized and community based groundwater management into the town’s planning and development. The interventions involved both social processes and technical processes. On the social front a cadre of para professionals and community representatives having knowledge on urban watershed and groundwater management was created and citizens’ action group was created to enable their participation. On the technical front a number of interventions were carried out such as demonstrating groundwater management at a decentralised level in residential areas and institutions, revival and strengthening of traditional water resources in Bhuj, and assessment and monitoring of groundwater resources in the city to manage the water resources better. A water pricing study was also taken up in order to understand the water supply scenario of Bhuj city, it’s economics, policy and regulatory framework of state and gaps and opportunities to achieve financial sustainability.