50-676: Jal Mahal (meaning "Water Palace") is a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, India. The palace was originally constructed around 1699; the building and the lake around it were later renovated and enlarged in the early 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber . The Jal Mahal Palace is an architectural showcase of the Rajput style of architecture (common in Rajasthan) on
100-437: A 100 metres (330 ft) length with silt removed from the lake, creation of three nesting islands for migratory birds, lakefront promenade in1 kilometre (0.62 mi)), afforestation and treatment of forest area portion of lake catchment, plantation to stabilise the slopes of bank formation. Afforestation envisaged plantation of local plant species such as Acacia arabica (desi babool) and Tamarix indica (planting close to
150-530: A Dravyavati river on the farmers land without paying any compensation to farmers. When the farmers ask for compensation from the JDA, they are intimidated by them and the JDA refused to compensate them by referring to the state government project (CM). The farmers resorted to the court with this attitude of the JDA and the court has taken stance that as long as the farmers will not get any compensation, JDA can not work on their private land. The JDA however has not ruled
200-456: A bird watcher's paradise in the past and was a favourite ground for the Rajput kings of Jaipur for royal duck shooting parties during picnics. The lake was natural habitat for more than 150 species of local and migratory birds that included large flamingo , great crested grebe , pintail , pochards , kestrel , coot , redshank , marsh sandpiper , ruff , herring gull , red-breasted flycatcher , grey wagtail , but their numbers declined with
250-631: A dome with 20 carved pillars. In 2004, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation signed an agreement with Jal Mahal Resorts, granting it a 99-year lease to develop 100 acres along the Man Sagar Lake (in the middle of which Jal Mahal stands) and the palace. The 99-year lease was given out to Jal Mahal Resorts Pvt Ltd a SPV created under the terms of the PPP project. From 2005 onwards the company has worked on
300-468: A grand scale. The building has a picturesque view of Man Sagar Lake , but owing to its seclusion from land is equally the focus of a viewpoint from the Man Sagar Dam on the eastern side of the lake in front of the backdrop of the surrounding Nahargarh ("tiger-abode") hills. The palace, built with local sandstone , is a three-storied building, with the third floor only existing on the eastern side of
350-460: A little dampness, on the floors below the water level. But the original garden, which existed on the terrace had been lost. Now, a new terrace is being created based on a similar roof garden of the Amer Palace. The building is located near the shoreline of a lake with a maximum depth of 15 ft. As the four stories of the building are built under the water, this means it would be structured on
400-519: A number of other historical and religious places, such as the Amer Fort , Jaigarh Fort , Nahargarh Fort , Khilangarh Fort, and Kanak Vrindavan Valley were also built in the vicinity. All of these places are now linked by a tourist corridor of roads. In recent years, with the urbanisation of Jaipur city and areas surrounding the lake, the ecological system of the lake and its vicinity deteriorated drastically. It became heavily silted thereby reducing
450-405: A proposed housing scheme. Farmers have been burying themselves neck-deep or going on hunger strike. The housing scheme is supposed to construct up to 10,000 homes. The Dravyavati river is being constructed by capturing the private land of the poor farmers situated by the JDA at Goner village. The farmers are entitled to 25% compensation from the JDA in respect of this land, but JDA is constructing
500-437: A treatment plant on site to generate secondary level effluent, which was then discharged into an artificial wetland through a hyacinth channel. For this purpose, a Physico Chemical Treatment Plant was also envisaged and the effluent from this plant was taken through artificially created wetlands in an area of 4 hectares (9.9 acres)) (not only to treat the water but also to serve as natural habitat for birds) and through this process
550-593: A water spread area of 300 acres (121 ha) and is enclosed by the Aravalli hills on the north, west and eastern sides, while the southern side consists of plains that are intensely inhabited. There is the Nahargarh Fort (Nahargarh meaning home of tigers) in the hills that provides a commanding view of the Man Sagar Lake and the Jal Mahal palace, in addition to a beautiful view of the city of Jaipur. The lake
SECTION 10
#1732780549612600-449: Is about 300 metres (980 ft) long and 28.5–34.5 metres (94–113 ft) in width. It is provided with three sluice gates for release of water for irrigation of agricultural land in the down stream area. Since then, the dam, the lake and the palace in its midst have undergone several rounds of restoration under various rulers of Rajasthan but the final restoration in the 18th century is credited to Jai Singh II of Amer. During this period,
650-438: Is believed such deposition did not have to be fixed with dredging and filtration before the 20th century. Rainfall averages 657.4 millimetres (25.88 in) per year (90% of which occurs during June to September). The outlet end of the dam feeds a large irrigation system (obligatory water demand for this is reported to be 2,410,000 cubic metres during the five months from November to March). Two large nalas (streams) that also drain
700-530: Is engaged in infrastructural and basic amenity development for Jaipur and also environment conservation and development of rural areas around the city. JDA has its head-office at JLN Marg, opposite the famous Birla Mandir, Jaipur . The Dravyavati River rejuvenation project was approved in 2015, awarded to a consortium of Tata Group and the Shanghai Urban Construction Group with an initial cost of over 131 crore Rupees to complete
750-532: Is part of the Aravalli hills range . Rock exposures on the surface in some parts of the project area have also been used for constructing buildings. From the northeast, the Kanak Vrindavan valley, where a temple complex sits, the hills slope gently towards the lake edge. Within the lake area, the ground area is made up of a thick mantle of soil, blown sand, and alluvium. Forest denudation, particularly in
800-417: Is situated, the hills slope gently towards the lake edge. Within the lake area, the ground area is made up of a thick mantle of soil, blown sand and alluvium. Forest denudation, particularly in the hilly areas, has caused soil erosion , compounded by wind and water action. Due to this, silt built up in the lake resulting in a raising of the bed level of the lake. During 1596 AD, a severe famine in this region
850-577: The JDA, during 2003, private sector developers were invited to develop identified tourism components on the land adjoining the lake. After following the due process, a joint sector undertaking called the PDCOR was formed between the JDA of the Rajasthan Government and the consortia of private developers with the lead provided by M/s. KGK Enterprises. The project for tourism development was entrusted to this joint group. The tourism project entailed
900-606: The area is Dhauk ( Anogeissus pendula ), which has lean foliage. The low vegetation cover and steep gradient of the hills causes substantial erosion and the eroded material flows into the lake. On the western side, beyond the urbanised area, the Nahargarh hills on the western side are also denuded, which has reduced its moisture retaining capacity. The reserve forest area of the lake catchment has several wild life species such as deer , jungle cat , striped hyena , Indian fox , Indian wild boar and leopards . The lake used to be
950-450: The bed level of the lake. The flora is dictated by the subsidiary Edaphic type of dry tropical forests in the catchment; the total forest area of 9.01 square kilometres (3.48 sq mi) comprises dense forest cover of 6.45 square kilometres (2.49 sq mi) area, degraded forest of 0.95 square kilometres (0.37 sq mi) and encroachment of 1.61 square kilometres (0.62 sq mi). The dominant floral species found in
1000-454: The bottom of the lake. At Gaitore opposite the lake are chhatris and cenotaphs erected over cremation platforms of some of the Kachwaha rulers of Jaipur. They were built by Jai Singh II within landscaped gardens. The cenotaphs are in honor of Pratap Singh, Madho Singh II and Jai Singh II among others. Jai Singh II's cenotaph is made of marble and has impressive intricate carvings. It has
1050-515: The capital city of the state of Rajasthan in India . It is named after Raja Man Singh , the then ruler of Amer , who constructed it in c. 1610 by damming the Dravyavati river. The Jal Mahal is situated in the middle of the lake. The lake, situated to the north of Jaipur city lies between Amer , the historic city and Jaipur, the provincial headquarters of Rajasthan state. It has
SECTION 20
#17327805496121100-435: The cleaning of the lake, reviving the ecology of the area and restoration of the palace. For the future, Jal Mahal Resorts Pvt Ltd plans to build a tourism destination around the Jal Mahal and make it a landmark tourist destination for all visitors to the city of Jaipur. The Lake restoration project of the Man Sagar Lake area with an estimated investment of ₹1.5 billion, equivalent to approximately $ 18 million (considered one of
1150-432: The designs that could decipher the originally existing designs on the walls, after removing the recent plasterwork. Based on this finding, restoration works were re-done with traditional materials for plastering – the plaster consists of partly organic material: a mortar mix of lime, sand and surkhi mixed with jaggery , guggal and methi powder. It was also noticed that there was hardly any water seepage, except for
1200-399: The deterioration of the lake. Now, with restoration works undertaken, the birds have started visiting the lake again, though not to the same degree as in the past. In order to attract attention to the lake's condition, a private initiative of holding an annual birding fair was started in 1997. It is reported that the common moorhen , a resident species has started breeding in large numbers at
1250-493: The development of Convention Centre and Art Gallery, Multiplex and Entertainment Centre, Craft Bazaar, Arts and Craft Village, Resort Hotels, restaurants, and food courts, public park and gardens including responsibility for restoration and maintenance of the Jal Mahal. The interior of the Jal Mahal Palace is not open to visitors. Man Sagar Lake Man Sagar Lake is an artificial lake , situated in Jaipur ,
1300-450: The entire eco-system is being re-generated. Vegetation generated in this process is disposed of in a compost pit near the lake. It is also reported that about 500,000 cubic metres of silt was removed from the lake. This silt was then put to use for a strengthening of embankment and building of islands as wintering grounds for migratory birds. After the above initial restoration works of the lake and its feeder system were mostly completed by
1350-479: The hilly areas, has caused soil erosion , compounded by wind and water action. As a result, silt built up in the lake incrementally raises the lake bed. On the terrace of the palace, a garden was built with arched passages. At each corner of this palace semi-octagonal towers were built with an elegant cupola . The restoration works of the early 2000s were not satisfactory and an expert in the field of similar architectural restoration works of Rajasthan palaces examined
1400-409: The lake annually by many centimetres. The hills surrounding the lake area, towards the north east of Jaipur, have quartzite rock formations (with a thin layer of soil cover), which is part of the Aravalli hills range. Rock exposures on the surface in some parts of the project area have also been utilised for constructing buildings. From the north east, the Kanak Vrindavan valley, where a temple complex
1450-535: The lake bed and stored water was also envisaged. The city sewage, which supplied 7.0 MLD of untreated sewage was treated with Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and then led to the lake to maintain its water level, after due removal of nutrients through tertiary treatment. This process involved diversion of the Brahampuri Nala into the Nagtalai Nala by a lined channel to its south. This was then led through
1500-467: The lake during the summer months resulting in a drying up of the lake during these months. The lake is a fetid polluted body of water that stinks all year round. The hills surrounding the lake area, towards the north east of Jaipur, have quartzite rock formations (with a thin layer of soil cover), which is part of Aravalli hills range. Rock exposures on the surface in some parts of the project area have also been utilised for constructing buildings. From
1550-403: The lake has been assessed as 3,130,000 cubic metres at the maximum water level. During the dry season, from October to June, it is said to be about 360,000 cubic metres. The depth of water at the deepest location in the lake is recorded at a maximum of 4.5 metres (15 ft) and a minimum of 1.5 metres (4.9 ft). In addition, the stored water is also used for irrigation at the downstream end of
Jal Mahal - Misplaced Pages Continue
1600-548: The lake is being restored and islands have been created for bird nesting, more species in bigger number are expected to settle here. The checklist of birds at around man sagar is below: Jaipur Development Authority Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) is the agency of the Government of Rajasthan responsible for preparation and implementation of master plan for the Jaipur city in Rajasthan state in India . It
1650-442: The lake precincts area of 100 acres (40 ha), which subsumed 15 acres (6.1 ha) of submerged land) for tourism development under joint sector cooperation and 32 acres (13 ha) for lake promenade and tertiary treatment facility and related works. The studies indicated two approaches to tackle the environmental degradation that had occurred in the lake, namely, dealing with natural catchment area and concurrently addressing
1700-506: The lake water giving off a foul smell. Water samples collected from the lake were tested and found to clearly show that the water quality was not uniform. It was extremely poor in southeast, south and southwest due to the influent nalas. The water quality parameters of BOD and total nitrogen recorded were 20 mg/L each. BOD values indicated high levels of organic matter. COD showed a very high level of oxidisable chemicals. Nitrate and phosphate content were excessive. Coliform counts
1750-475: The lake. The other birds seen now are the grey heron , white-browed wagtail and blue-tailed bee-eaters . The lake was also home for a large species of the aquatic ecosystem such as fish, insects, microorganisms and aquatic vegetation. Throughout the year, more than 180 species of birds (www.birdlife.net) have been recorded at the Birding Fair site, making it as a great attraction to bird watchers. As
1800-721: The largest and unique such projects in India) has evolved a plan that has diverse project components. Consequently, there are many project stakeholders and beneficiaries. The project stake holders are: the Government of Rajasthan and their subordinate organizations such as the Public Works Department (PWD), Rajasthan Urban Development Authority (RUIDP), the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA – the nodal agency for implementation of all aspects of
1850-407: The north east, the Kanak Vrindavan valley, where a temple complex is situated, the hills slope gently towards the lake edge. Within the lake area, the ground area is made up of a thick mantle of soil, blown sand and alluvium. Forest denudation, particularly in the hilly areas, has caused soil erosion , compounded by wind and water action. Due to this, silt built up in the lake resulting in a raising of
1900-412: The north east, the Kanak Vrindavan valley, where a temple complex sits, the hills slope gently towards the lake edge. Within the lake area, the ground area is made up of a thick mantle of soil, blown sand and alluvium. Forest denudation, particularly in the hilly areas, has caused soil erosion , compounded by wind and water action. Due to these human factors silt built-up in the lake raises the bed level of
1950-537: The palace. The eastern side is not visible from the road side public promenade, which is the Western side of the palace. The additional lower levels of the eastern side remain underwater when the lake is full. The Jal Mahal has a terrace floor with a garden, and the garden has four Tibaris facing north, south, east and west. The Tibaris are designed in the Bengal roof style architecture while the four octagonal Chhatri on
2000-732: The project), the Department of Tourism, Rajasthan Project Development Fund (RPDF) and the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and an Empowered Committee on Infrastructure Development (ECID); the Central Government organizations associated for planning and financing are the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOE&F) through its National River Conservation Program (NRCP) and ILFS. The Private Sector Developer (PSD) appointed
2050-429: The roof mark the corners of the monument. The palace had suffered subsidence in the past and also partial seepage (plaster work and wall damage equivalent to rising damp ) because of water logging, which have been repaired under a restoration project of the Government of Rajasthan. The hills surrounding the lake area, towards the north east of Jaipur, have quartzite rock formations (with a thin layer of soil cover), which
Jal Mahal - Misplaced Pages Continue
2100-399: The serious problem of municipal sewerage emerging from large scale urbanization or human settlement. Keeping this broad planning approach in view, under the lake restoration project, the works undertaken involved were: the re-alignment of city drains, de-silting of the lake, construction of artery road from Amber to Man Sagar Dam (about 2.7 kilometres (1.7 mi)), construction of check dam in
2150-401: The surface area of the lake. The silt deposited (estimated to be about 2,500,000 cubic metres) was contaminated with effluents (untreated sewage) from the city's drainage system causing intense eutrophication . The ground water surrounding the lake was also found to be highly contaminated and created serious health hazards. The rainwater combined with sewage water flow from the city resulted in
2200-490: The surrounding Nahargarh hills and Jaipur are the Brahmpuri and Nagtalai, which bring in untreated sewage, in addition to sediment run-offs of unpaved streets. The Aravalli hills surrounding the lake area, towards the north east of Jaipur, have quartzite rock formations (with a thin layer of soil cover). Rock exposures on the surface in some parts of the project area have also been utilised for constructing buildings. From
2250-431: The water edge where they can grow well), Terminalia arjuna (Arjun) poplar, neem and all species of Ficus , which would provide diversity in vegetation and also better habitat diversity for feeding by birds and wildlife. In addition, to remove eutrophication of the lake water and improve its water quality, in-situ Bioremediation process with 140 diffusers & 5 air compressors to aerate and create an inversion of
2300-562: The work by October 2018. The estimated ten-year project cost, covering construction, operation and maintenance, was over 150 crore Rupees. The Jaipur Ring Road project, first conceived of in 2000, is for a six-lane expressway encircling the Jaipur city. The contract, worth 900 crore Rupees, was awarded in May 2011. Protests have taken place in Nindar against the compensation being offered for
2350-531: Was M/s KGK Consortium. Under the public-private sector partnership model approved by the EICD, PDCOR had prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the restoration of Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal restoration and lake precincts development. The total project area for restoration and development approved by ECID was 432 acres (175 ha) comprising the lake with 300 acres (120 ha) water spread,
2400-535: Was created by constructing a dam across the Darbhawati River, between Khilagarh hills and the hilly areas of Nahargarh, in the 16th century. The catchment area (watershed) for the lake is 23.5 square kilometres (9.1 sq mi) contributed by a semi-urban area as to 50% (generating in heavy rains unpaved street erosion) and hilly terrain accounting for the balance, being the largely-deforested or precipitous Aravalli hills , which also creates siltation. It
2450-438: Was linked to an acute shortage of water. The then ruler of Amer was, therefore, motivated to build a dam to store water to overcome the severe hardships caused by the famine to the inhabitants. A dam was constructed, initially using earth and quartzite, across the eastern valley between Amer hills and Amagarh hills. The dam was later converted into a stone masonry structure in the 17th century. The dam, as existing now (see picture),
2500-407: Was more than 500 times the norm. The Chloride content was found to be fatal to plants and fish. The fresh water draining into the lake is seasonal during the rainy months of July to September. This flow originates from 325 small and large streams that drain from the hilly catchment of the lake. The two municipal nalas from Jaipur city contribute a perennial flow to the lake. The volume of water in
#611388