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HAL rejuvenates parts of Kumudvathi river under CSR
DHNS
Last Updated IST
One of the water pools built by HAL as part of the rejuvenation work.
One of the water pools built by HAL as part of the rejuvenation work.
State-owned aviation major, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recharged 36 borewells and 281 wells, built 50 water pools and planted 50,000 saplings in the region that covers Tavarekere, Thyamagondlu, Mondigere and Teppadabeguru mini-watersheds in Bengaluru Rural district.

Implemented as part of HAL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, the project benefited 35 villages, according to HAL Chairman and Managing Director T Suvarna Raju. Raju formally handed over the projects under Kumudvathi River Rejuvenation to the village panchayats of the district.

These projects, he said, will help in reviving dried natural water resources and the natural habitat of the region. As many as 281 boulder checks were also carried out as part of the project.

Kumudvathi is a tributary of River Arkavathi and originates from Shivagange Hills in Nelamangala taluk of Bengaluru Rural district. Both Arkavathi and Kumudvathi flow into Tippagondanhalli reservoir which was serving 30% to 40% water requirements of Bengaluru, three decades ago.

Scanty inflow

Currently, the inflow from River Kumudvathi is scanty due to degradation of natural vegetation, soil erosion and over-exploitation of groundwater. The catchment area covers about 460 sq km, 278 villages and is classified into 18 mini-watersheds for rejuvenation work.

HAL, as part of its CSR, has been sponsoring rejuvenation work of Mini Watersheds through International Association of Human Values (IAHV). Rejuvenation helps in revival of defunct borewells and open wells, besides protecting drinking water sources. Agro-horticulture developments are benefited, besides increasing natural vegetation and aiding eco-hydrological conservation.
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(Published 20 June 2017, 01:56 IST)