Indore : Imagine a lake which is full of water with green surroundings and cool atmosphere. A lake, which is fulfilling supply demands of at least 10 colonies, even in this record-breaking summer.
Now, come back to reality and visit Bilawali lake to see all this in real.
The triangular-shaped lake is located at Khandwa Road and is one of the biggest in the city providing 30-MLD water to residents. It is a perennial lake and municipal corporation has been deepening it with the help of farmers and developing a track on its embankment.
“Whole nation is facing water crisis but conditions are better in our city, thanks to Bilawali lake. We are drawing 30 MLD water to meet the demands of water supply in the city and can continue drawing same amount of water till end of June, if no rains take place,” in-charge of water works committee in Indore municipal corporation Balram Verma said.
Municipal corporation and administration has permitted people to excavate the lake to deepen it. Almost 15,000 dumpers soil has been taken out already from the lake and work is in process.
“We have asked people to leave 25 per cent soil of the total they are taking from lake to spread it on embankment. In this way, we are getting embankment developed along with deepening of the lake, both without spending a penny,” Verma said.
With deepening of the lake, municipal corporation claims to get 150 MLD water by the next year from Bilawali lake.
“After making a track on the embankment, we are willing to develop it as recreational park soon,” Verma added.
Meanwhile, restaurant owner Mukesh Singh said, “Groundwater level in the area is 350-400 feet. Lake plays a major role in maintaining the level as well as keeping the surroundings cool.” He said that administration should develop a boundary wall so that illegal activities would be controlled.
Location : Khandwa Road
Area 202.73 hectares
Current submerged area : 50 hectare
Depth : 9.14 metres
Shape : Triangular
Catchment : 400 hectares (approx.)
Embankment : Clear, fencing on two sides
“Lakes are the best source of water to recharge and cool the atmosphere. Bilawali lake is one of the biggest in the city and it must be conserved for future.”- Shyam Agrawal, Principal, Standard Public School
“Water conservation is the answer to scarcity and lakes are the main source of water. By conserving lakes, we can ensure water supply for years.”- Momita Chatterjee, Resident
“Bilawali lake keeps the area’s temperature down by at least two degrees. Increasing temperature is the result of deteriorating lakes.” – Manik Pundlik, Resident
“We are still taking 30 MLD water from Bilawali lake even in this summer. Lake deepening work is going there and we will get 150 MLD more water from next year.” – Balram Verma, Water works committee in-charge, IMC
