Latest news with #JahazMahal
India.com
01-07-2025
- India.com
Escape The Heat With Hidden Hill Stations Just A Drive Away From Bhopal
Crowned as the capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal is widely known for its exquisite culture, historical places, and calm lakes. Not far from this lively city are a few overlooked hill stations which offer stunning views, calmness, and a break from the city's chaos. These hidden treasures are perfect for those who want to get in touch with nature while staying close to Bhopal. In this article, we will go over seven relatively unknown captivating hill stations near Bhopal that will catch your attention. 1. Pachmarhi Known as 'The Queen of Satpura,' it has sprawling green forests, waterfalls such as Bee Falls and Duchess falls, and age-old caves of mythological importance. Although it is one of the most well known hill stations, it is often missed in tourism activities in central India, It is located roughly 210 kilometers from Bhopal towards the peak of the earthquake on Sep 01, 1989. It is endowed with beauty and spiritual divinity. Summers in Pachmarhi are pleasant, and one can enjoy the peak season throughout the year. There's a plethora of options for adventure lovers; trekking, rock climbing, and exploring the nearby UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka. Its undiscovered beauty, and holy essence make this place a destination that is not worth ignoring. 2. Satpura National Park Satpura National Park is unlike other parks as it offers camping areas and jungle safaris with hills and wildlife. Wildlife enthusiasts will greatly appreciate the bird watching and camping opportunities in one of the most bio-diverse areas in the Satpura range, which is located merely 230 kilometers from Bhopal. The breathtaking view and untouched nature makes it a paradise for all nature lovers. Tourists can also go boating on the Denwa River, as well as participating in nature walks with a guide to catch glimpses of tigers, sloth bears, leopards, and several exotic birds. 3. Chikhaldara On the edges of Madhya Pradesh and North of Maharashtra, Chikuldara is around 250 kilometers away from Bhopal offers some of the deepest coffee and panoramic views to the West of India. Some of the most well-known tourist attractions include Melghat Tiger Reserve, the Hariken Waterfall, and Prospect Point. Chikaldhara serves as a perfect getaway from the scorching heat of the plains with its cooling refreshing breeze and foggy mornings. Archaic admirers are bound to love the Amaravati Stupa which is from the 2nd century BCE. 4. Mandu Bhopal is a historical place in itself, but Mandu, which is 90 kilometers away, is a beautiful and scenic region in the Vindhya Range. It is known for its Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University, the Narmada Valley, and Never Ending Forest. As known as the city of joy, Mandu has intriguing monuments such as Jahaz Mahal, Roopmati Pavilion, and Hindola Mahal which is embroidered with architectural masterpieces. The city is at a height that provides great weather all around the year, making it perfect for some leisurely sightseeing. Some of the best views of this historic town are during the monsoon as the greenery compliments the city sunlight very nicely. 5. Hoshangabad Hoshangabad is approximately 75 kilometers southeast of Bhopal and is popular to be the center of some sightseeing attractions as well as the Tawa reservoir and Satpura Tiger Reserve. Although it is not recognized as a normal hill station, it does have some wonderful biosphere reserves which set its vicinity apart from all. Many visitors can be seen coming to the Satpura foothills in order to enjoy the refreshing atmosphere while participating in fishing, river rafting, and kayaking at the Tawa Backwaters. Conclusion Bhopal is close to these little known hill stations and offers plenty of opportunities for discovery and relaxation. Each destination has its own story to tell – be it the legends of Pachmarhi, the rugged wilderness of Satpura, or the historical Mandu. These lesser known central Indian cultural and natural wonders can be unlocked by taking the road less travelled. So, grab your bags, hit the road, and enjoy the beauty of these forsaken spots near Bhopal.
India.com
30-06-2025
- India.com
5 Hidden Hill Stations Near Indore That Will Make You Rethink Your Next Trip
With a well known history and culture, Indore is the largest city in Madhya Pradesh and has a lot to offer in its open markets. It is a well established tourist spot in central India, but it has a lot of unrecognized best hill stations which are hidden gems. These hill stations offer you serenity on another level as well as mesmerizing views. In this article we will cover seven of the best hidden hill stations around Indore and their individual stories. 1. Pachmarhi Pachmarhi is known to be the most famous hill station in the state but it is surrounded with several other famous unexplored hill stations. Also, it is roughly 190 kilometers away from Indore. strap yourself in because we are about to give you reasons aka known facts of why it is termed as a queen. Pachmarhi is enriched with beauty as it has astonishing green forests, majestic and peaceful waterfalls, and caves which date back to ancient times. It is further surrounded by a UNESCO protected biosphere meaning no exploitation of nature will take place. It has remained a quiet spot for trekking, bird watching, and even for family visits to the Pandav caves and jata shankar temple. The amazing beauty and pleasant weather make it the perfect spot for a weekend trip. 2. Mandu Around 96 km from Indore, Mandu is famous for its rich history as well as for being a scenic hill station. The Vindhya Range is home to Mandu, which has several remnants of mosques, palaces, and Tanks that speak of love and bravery. While in Mandu, one must visit Jahaz Mahal, Rani Roopmati Pavilion, and Baz Bahadur Palace. From Mandu, one can overlook the Narmada Valley while basking in the dense surrounding green forests. The beautiful sunsets and tranquil nature offer a peaceful break from the chaos of the city. 3. Satpura National Park Known primarily as a wildlife sanctuary, Satpura National Park is also one of the most underrated hill station getaways located around 200 kilometers from Indore. The park is part of the Satpura Range and it boasts rough terrains, deep gorges to explore, and rich flora and fauna. Visitors have the option to participate in jungle safaris, canoe rides on the Denwa River, and even go hiking. For those in search of some peace and solitude in nature, Satpura is a superb alternative. 4. Omkareshwar Omkareshwar is a sacred region located at a distance of 77 Kilometers from Indore. The town has the shape of 'Om' and is encircled by Narmada river, adding to the spirituality of this temple town. One can also visit Omkareshwar Temple from where you can take a ropeway or trek up to the town to receive an all around view of the river and the valleys. Relaxation lovers appreciate the calmness, providing a refreshing break from their city life. 5. Choral Dam Like most places in Indore, this is also about 45 kilometers from the city. Choral Dam is a dam and not strictly a hill station but offers a hill station experience. The dam can be best used for picnics, boating, and capturing pictures or memories. The place transformed into a nature lover's green paradise can be enjoyed during the monsoon season and there is plenty of greenery for adventure lovers also. Why Choose These Underrated Hill Stations? Why not visit hill stations close to Indore instead of well-known places like Shimla, Manali, or Ooty? These underrated spots are as exquisite as these famous destinations, but these lesser-known hill stations face no tourist congestion. These places are perfect for those who admire history, the mountains, or just want to escape to somewhere quiet. Furthermore, they are conveniently close to Indore for anyone looking to make quick getaways or plan vacations. Tips for Visiting These Hill Stations Plan Accordingly: You want to make sure to visit in the winter months, such as October to February (or for some people, the monsoons from July to September), assuming you like the cold. Pack Accordingly: Bring walking shoes for rough terrain, light woolen clothes when it gets too chilly, and raincoats/shelters in the case you choose to go during the monsoon. Respect the Locals: Dress appropriately when visiting Omkareshwar and other places that are of religious importance, as there are local customs that need to be honored. Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of water when going on hikes, exploring hilly areas, or checking out the Satpura and Mandus ruins. To sum up, these underrated hill stations around Indore provide a stunning combination of scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure activities. While Mandu has its historical charm, Satpura is known for its wildlife. These places will always create fond memories for those willing to explore. So the next time you're taking a trip from Indore, keep these hidden gems in mind. Indore will never be the same again!
India.com
28-06-2025
- India.com
From City Chaos To Open Road: These 5 Motorcycle Trips From Indore Will Blow Your Mind
It offers an opportune base for motorcycle enthusiasts who want exciting weekend escapes near Indore which is both the largest city of Madhya Pradesh and the central commerce and culture and gastronomy center. As a central Indian city Indore makes it easy to explore various scenic regions including gentle mountain ranges and age-old holy sites together with lush wooded areas and community towns. Among the excellent motorcycle routes beginning in Indore you will discover several routes that lead to awe-inspiring experiences during weekend adventures. 1. Ujjain From Indore you can easily reach the holy city of Ujjain to experience its distinguished status of one of seven sacred Hindu places together with its Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple. This roadway offers a seamless experience that works well for motorcycle riders without experience along with experienced professionals. Motorcycle travelers will encounter enchanting villages together with mustard or wheat fields as the seasons change during this route. Tourists should visit the major attractions of Ujjain including the Kumbh Mela site and Bhartrihari Caves as well as Harsiddhi Temple. The combination of religious sites and natural attractiveness throughout this trip offers travelers short-term experiences both spiritually and visually fulfilling. 2. Pachmarhi The hill station Pachmarhi maintains its title as 'Queen of Satpura' as it resides among forested mountains while waterfalls tumble around it. Traveling from Indore reveals a journey composed of sloping paths that lead through picturesques landscapes which provide various locations to snap photos. The main points of interest at this destination are Bee Falls together with Pandav Caves and Handi Khoh Trekking and rappelling together with camping serve as exciting adventure activities that visitors can participate in while staying at the destination. The commute to this location goes longer than typical journeys because it reveals spectacular views alongside pleasant mountain breezes that make you forget urban pressures. 3. Mandu History enthusiasts together with architecture enthusiasts will find Mandu presents a wonderful combination between romantic structures and ancient remains. The medieval fortress town of Mandu sits 96 kilometers southwest from Indore and showcases original structures of both Afghan-style palaces and mosques as well as stepwell baolis. The main attractions in Mandu are Jahaz Mahal together with Hindola Mahal and Roopmati Pavilion and Baz Bahadur's Palace. The Mandu access road has smooth curves together with open vistas allowing travelers to take pleasure in stress-free driving through Madhya Pradesh's rural scenery. 4. Omkareshwar Visitors can find one of the twelve Jyotirlingas located on Omkareshwar which occupies a river-created island within the Narmada. Traveling from Indore requires passing through the Khandwa district landscape on the way to this religious center of town. People who visit the Omkareshwar Temple can experience either boat rides around the island or climb nearby peaks for truly picturesque views. Throughout Omkareshwar you will discover both religious establishments that provide peace of mind alongside beautiful nature points. 5. Rajwada Fort & Sarafa Bazaar Loop You can experience adventure within Indore itself by choosing a loop ride through the city within your time constraints. In your first stop head to Rajwada Fort where its architectural design combines Maratha and Mughal and French influence. The night brings change to Sarafa Bazaar which then becomes a thriving area for local street food dining. A short but rewarding visit to Rajwada Fort and Sarafa Bazaar enables travelers to experience the local Indore culture and taste its famous cuisine from their base. Tips for Planning Your Motorcycle Trip The weather forecast should be your first stop before riding since it helps predict any sudden rainy day or hot temperatures. Essential packing consists of basic equipment including first-aid materials together with water containers and nourishment and safety gear that includes helmets and gloves. Identify gas stations ahead of time since some remote locations will lack easy access to fuel stations. You should respect local traditions by modestly dressing yourself when visiting religious sites and by following instructions from local people. The combination of long sunlight exposure dehydrates your body so drinking multiple fluids throughout your day becomes essential. Final Thoughts Travelers should consider going on group bike rides with friends along with joining cycling groups because this combination strengthens both safety protection and social pictures and record videos of your experiences for later appreciation of this adventure. The central Indian attractions can easily be explored by motorcyclists from the strategic location which Indore provides as their starting point. All the destinations mentioned above present individual travel experiences which range from examining historical sites to discovering spiritual serenity and experiencing natural surroundings. You should prepare yourself to drive toward amazing weekend trips that promise multiple additional adventures.
India.com
19-06-2025
- India.com
Monsoon Magic: Top Hill Places Around Indore To Feel The Rain And Green
Indore holds its position as Madhya Pradesh's biggest metropolis while providing ideal access for central India hill station exploration. Executive relief from city stress exists in these peaceful destinations which feature beautiful natural sceneries and refreshing temperatures along with peaceful settings. Seven exceptional hill stations exist in proximity to Indore that provide perfect short-length vacation destinations. 1. Pachmarhi: The Queen of Satpura Pachmarhi stands as the top hill station in Madhya Pradesh and rests at about 190 kilometers distance from Indore. The 'Queen of Satpura' title describes this region because it shows abundant forest scenery alongside its old caves and flowing waterfall attractions. People can explore multiple trekking paths including the celebrated route to Dhupgarh which stands as the highest elevation in the Satpura range through this part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Your visit to Pachmarhi should encompass stops at Bee Falls and Pandav Caves together with Handi Khoh. Distance from Indore: ~190 km Travel Time by Road: ~4-5 hours 2. Mandu: Where History Meets Nature Mandu presents itself as an ancient historical spot but its elevated position delivers pleasant summer months to tourists seeking coolness from hot weather conditions. This abandoned city stands on the Vindhya Range offering spectacular views across the valley scenery while positioned about 96 kilometers from the city of Indore. You can discover Jahaz Mahal and Hoshang Shah's Tomb and Roopmati Pavilion among the palace structures and various lakes around the site. Mandu stands out as an essential destination because it combines its historical value with its beautiful natural scenery. Distance from Indore: ~96 km Travel Time by Road: ~2-3 hours 3. Omkareshwar: A Spiritual Retreat Amidst Hills The island temple at Omkareshwar stands as a sacred Shiva sanctuary which belongs 77 kilometers southeast of Indore. The Narmada River flows along this place as it rests against the Vindhya Hills which delivers sacred spaces together with breathtaking scenery. Visitors can opt for a boat transfer to Omkareshwar Temple while hiking to Mamleshwar Temple enables them to see river and hill vistas. Distance from Indore: ~77 km Travel Time by Road: ~2 hours 4. Satpura National Park & Bison Lodge Nature lovers along with adventure fans will find their perfect destination at Satpura National Park which rests around 200 kilometers from Indore. The diverse wildlife protection area features tigers as well as leopards together with Indian bison (gaur) along with more than 250 bird species. Safaris and treks through the park's wilderness are possible because its rough terrain and shady forests create a beautiful landscape. Tourists who stay at the Bison Lodge will experience the historical British colonial atmosphere in this unique wilderness destination. Distance from Indore: ~200 km Travel Time by Road: ~5 hours 5. Chikhaldara: Maharashtra's Gift to Central India The hill station Chikhaldara which lies at a distance of one hundred eighty miles from Indore earns its distinction because of its extraordinary charm. The hill station nestles in Maharashtra by the Madhya Pradesh border and draws visitors with its coffee plantation zones and animal sanctuaries as well as its viewpoint attractions at Prospect Point and Hurricane Point. Driving on twisting mountain roads through thick forest areas brings out a sense of adventure. Nature enthusiasts along with photography and birdwatching groups find particular draw to Chikhaldara. Distance from Indore: ~280 km Travel Time by Road: ~6-7 hours 6. Maheshwar: Riverside Serenity with a Touch of Royalty The town is widely recognized for its sacred sites and riverbank views that together create an attractive getaway destination. The former Holkar dynasty capital formerly existed 92 kilometers south of Indore as this small urban center. Wander across Narmada Riverbanks while you tour the legendary Ahilya Fort before enjoying handwoven Maheshwari silk saree shopping. The place provides a beautiful weekend getaway because of its integration between cultural attractions and natural settings. Distance from Indore: ~92 km Travel Time by Road: ~2 hours 7. Kanha-Pench Corridor: Gateway to Wildlife Wonders About 250 kilometers from Indore exists the Kanha-Pench corridor which connects the prestigious National Tiger Reserves of India. This wildlife tourism center encompasses forested hills which let residents escape urban pressures. Spend your time in Pench National Park spanning a couple of days while imbibing the spirit of The Jungle Book written by Rudyard Kipling. The living animals in this region appear before jeep safari visitors along with sloth bears and tigers while the environment remains green. Distance from Indore: ~250 km Travel Time by Road: ~5-6 hours Why Choose These Hill Stations? Mandu gives visitors its historical sites while Omkareshwar radiates with spiritual energy and Satpura and Kanha-Pench show wild independence. Tourists can find hill station destinations that match their interests between adventure and relaxation and spiritual exploration and nature discovery. These hill stations hold a special advantage because they remain easily accessible from Indore through short travel durations. Tips for Planning Your Trip Tourists should plan their visits during October through March to experience pleasurable weather conditions in these hill stations. Travellers have access to various accommodation types ranging from economical stays through premium resorts in all traveler stations. The local food specialties in these destinations include poha-jalebi along with bhutte ka kees and dal bafla which you must enjoy before leaving. Travelers should use either hired car services or book taxi transportation from Indore due to its convenience and maximum flexibility. Conclusion The hill stations surrounding Indore offer visitors memorable relaxation opportunities when they want to escape urban stress. The destinations offer exciting opportunities to experience both natural seclusion and thrilling escapades as well as historic and spiritual sites. You should plan your trip and drive to these magnificent central Indian destinations for their remarkable natural beauty.
Scroll.in
14-06-2025
- General
- Scroll.in
Hauz-i-Shamsi: Delhi's Sultanate-era reservoir turns climate buffer, haven for migratory birds
Located in the historic neighbourhood of Mehrauli, is the Hauz-i-Shamsi, a reservoir dating back to 1230, common era. It was built by the third sultan of the Delhi Sultanate, Shamsuddin Iltutmish of what is referred to as the Slave Dynasty. Every year, this ancient water body stands as a silent witness to the Phool Walon Ki Sair festival at the adjoining Jahaz Mahal, which is decorated with fresh flowers to celebrate the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, or syncretic Hindu-Muslim culture. For the rest of the year, it brings joy to many people who live around it in homes that stand cheek-by-jowl in the narrow, serpentine lanes of Mehrauli in South Delhi. 'Every morning when I wake up and step out on the balcony of our house, I see the jhilmil [sparkling] water of our Shamsi talab. Sunrays dance on it, which is a beautiful sight,' Zaida Zehra told Mongabay India. Zaida's home, where she lives with her husband and two school-going daughters, is in Ward 8, overlooking the lake. She is from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh and moved to Mehrauli 18 years ago after marriage. But the waterbody was not always a sight for sore eyes, said Zaida. Hauz-i-Shamsi, or a sunny water tank, is a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India. It was constructed to collect rainwater and provide drinking water and respite from the blazing summer heat to the medieval inhabitants of Mehrauli. But over time, it became a dirty, smelly drain filled with garbage and wastewater. 'Until about two years ago, our talab was a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and it was overgrown with weeds. People from our locality used to empty dirty water into it. People bathed their cattle here. We were pained to see its dilapidated condition but didn't know how to clean up the talab and restore it to its past glory,' said Zaida. However, Zaida and the other residents of wards 8 and 6 in Mehrauli did not give up on the dream of reviving the Hauz-i-Shamsi and soon joined a multi-stakeholder project to restore the water body. This happened in early 2023, when the ASI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SEEDS, or the Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society, India, a New Delhi-based non-profit, to restore the water tank and the urban ecosystem around it. As part of the initiative, SEEDS reached out to residents, leading to the birth of Pride of Shamsi, a group of active community members who have since been involved in the restoration and upkeep of the water body. Zaida is an active member of this group. The five-acre talab now boasts of clean water with six solar-operated aerators that circulate and oxygenate its water. There are floating bio-islands with reeds, the roots of which keep the water clean. The boundary of Hauz-i-Shamsi has been demarcated and fenced. The water body today is a haven for both native and migratory birds. The participation of the citizenry in such a revival project can be crucial. 'In a changing climate, the citizens are the key stakeholders and can help maintain and protect these urban commons in the long term,' Manu Gupta, Co-founder of SEEDS India, told Mongabay India. Reviving Shamsi talab Mohammad Arif remembers the good old days when he visited his grandmother, who lived near the talab. 'As a child, I spent many summer afternoons at Shamsi talab enjoying the cool breeze and watching fishes swim in its waters. Till about 2010, the talab was in a reasonably okay condition. It was also much bigger,' reminisced Arif. Like Zaida, Arif too now lives in ward number eight of Mehrauli, near Hauz-i-Shamsi. According to him, the lake began to shrink when construction picked up around it. 'Lots of houses came up in its vicinity, and concretisation affected the flow of rainwater into the tank. Wastewater and sewage started flowing into the talab,' Arif said. Diverting dirty wastewater and untreated sewage away from the lake was the biggest challenge. In 2021, two years before the signing of the MoU with the Archaeological Survey of India, SEEDS reached out to various stakeholders – the Municipal Council of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority, ASI, councillor, Jal Jeevan Mission, Delhi Jal Board, and local residents like Zaida. Those involved initiated ground-based assessments to chalk out a restoration plan, which eventually led to the signing of the MoU. SEEDS India has a SURGE Initiative (SEEDS Urban Resilience, Governance, and Enablement), which focuses on community-driven interventions and innovative solutions to restore urban water bodies across India. 'As part of SURGE, we did a baseline survey of the area and held a series of discussions with community members to identify the challenges around the restoration of Shamsi talab,' said Mitali Vavre, a conservation architect with SEEDS India. 'Thereafter, we carried out a hydro-geophysical assessment of the water body and mapped its catchment. Water quality tests were done to find levels of dissolved oxygen and other key parameters. We found a lot of invasive plant species in the water body. Over a period of a year, untreated effluents flowing into the lake were tapped and diverted,' informed Vavre. According to Ruchi Bhatt, Project Manager, SEEDS India, 'Since Hauz-i-Shamsi is a heritage site, there are regulations around the activities that can be undertaken. Machine excavation of waste and invasive plants from the lake is not allowed and had to be done manually by roping in skilled cleaners. Lake area was demarcated and fenced,' she said. This was followed by the introduction of bioremediation measures to clean the lake. 'These include floating bio-islands, which are constructed wetlands with layers of special aquatic plants to clean the water naturally. Six solar-powered aerators have been installed to enhance water circulation and improve dissolved oxygen levels, contributing to a healthier aquatic ecosystem,' explained Vavre. To promote community stewardship and build collective ownership of the waterbody, children from the community were involved in raising awareness, and Zaida's daughters led the campaign. 'While our parents formed the Pride of Shamsi group, we children got together and every weekend held activities, such as drawing, mehandi, and rangoli competitions, centred around our talab,' Rojis, the 15-year-old daughter of Zaida, told Mongabay India. 'We also enacted street plays and took out a children's march through our busy market of Mehrauli, raising slogans to protect our water body,' she added. A cool solution Urban water bodies are increasingly being recognised as a key natural infrastructure to cool down cities, according to S. Vishwanath, an urban planner and founder director of Bengaluru-based Biome Environmental Solutions, which has revived several urban and rural lakes in Karnataka. 'Urban lakes have a cooling effect due to evaporation and can help bring down the temperature by 2-4 degrees celsius around them,' he said. 'But two things need to be kept in mind – wind direction, which should not be blocked, and native trees should be planted around the water body to further bring down the temperatures.' Urban planners are increasingly stressing the role of blue and green infrastructure, consisting of urban water bodies and trees/gardens. The role of urban water bodies in climate change mitigation and adaptation has also been recorded in a training manual titled Rejuvenation and Conservation of Water Bodies and Open Areas, published by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. It notes that urban water bodies help combat the urban heat island effect and bring down city temperatures. 'Urban lakes create their own microclimate and can help cool our cities. They need to be an integral part of our city's climate action and heat action plans,' said Gupta, who is a trained urban planner. Delhi has several water bodies that can be integrated into the city's heat action plan. According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti's First Census of Water Bodies conducted in 2021, Delhi has 893 water bodies. There are 525 ponds, 14 lakes, four tanks, and 350 water bodies that are enumerated as 'others'. The Census also found that nearly one-fourth of these water bodies (24.19%) were encroached upon, which is the highest among all the states. The Delhi Heat Action Plan 2024-'25 mentions 'increasing blue cover' and 'restoration of water bodies in Delhi'. But there is a need for a detailed plan for the same because growing scientific evidence globally shows the gains of the same. A 2024 paper, The Role of Water Bodies in Climate Regulation: Insights from Recent Studies on Urban Heat Island Mitigation, highlights that water features and green spaces can significantly cool urban environments. 'By integrating water features with other urban cooling strategies, such as tree planting and expanded greenery, cities can effectively counter UHI effects, leading to more sustainable and resilient urban environments,' the report said. Another study published in Sustainable Cities and Society in April 2023 also points out how the implementation of urban blue and green infrastructures can help regulate urban temperatures. The authors note that water bodies in urbanised areas, such as lakes and wetlands, reduce temperature due to their strong evaporation and high heat capacities during the daytime. Water has a high specific heat capacity – it absorbs a lot of heat before it begins to warm up. Researchers at the Universities of Bath in the United Kingdom and Bologna in Italy have shown that more than a single large water body, it is a network of small water bodies that can more effectively cool areas and mitigate daytime extreme temperatures in spring and early summer across larger distances. According to Vavre, SEEDS India is already working on solutions to ensure Hauz-i-Shamsi has enough water to provide ecological services. 'We had to stop untreated wastewater from flowing into the water body as it was killing the tank. But lakes need water to stay alive. We are in discussion with authorities so that treated sewage can be fed into the lake,' she said. Vishwanath supports the idea of using treated urban wastewater to revive lakes. 'If we treat sewage and use constructed wetlands to further clean the water, it can be emptied into lakes. It will not only help manage cities' wastewater but also create cool microclimates in urban centres,' he said, adding that in Bengaluru, 27 lakes are already receiving treated wastewater, and the aim is to cover 40 such lakes in the city.
