There are many lakes in Gujarat. But today we will talk about Kanewal Lake which is not just an ordinary water body. This lake fed supply scheme supplies water to several villages. Many people are employed by the fishery industry. It is also a great place to visit. So let’s know about this lake.
Kanewal Lake
Kanewal Lake is located in Tarapur taluka in Anand district. It is located at a distance of approximately 1 hour i.e. 50 km from Anand. Here you can reach by your private vehicle.
History of Veli Kanewal Lake
Kanewal Lake is an artificial lake. The British constructed this historic lake approximately 100 years ago to supply water to the neighboring villages. At present around 120 villages are getting irrigation and drinking water from this lake.
Relationship with the Chalcolithic culture
The lake is situated on approximately 625 hectares of agricultural land. Archaeological discoveries link the areas around Kanewal lake like Kanewal, Khaksar, Rail etc. to the Chalcolithic civilization of 2nd and 3rd centuries BC.
Geographic information
Kanewal Lake has a full reservoir level of 45′ and a minimum water level of 32′. When the lake is full, it stores 595 million cubic feet of water. Kanewal Lake has a circumference of 13 km.
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Water Supply Schemes
A total of 3 water supply schemes based on Kanewal lake are operational. These include Saurashtra Supply Scheme, Khambhat City Municipal Supply Scheme, Milrampur Water Supply Scheme. The Saurashtra Supply Scheme supplies water to the Saurashtra regions via pipelines. Which is equal to 100 million liters daily.
Under the Khambhat City Municipal Supply Scheme, approximately 18 million liters of water is supplied to the city of Khambhat daily. 13 million liters of water is supplied daily to 45 villages of Bhal area under Milrampura water supply scheme.
Fishing industry
The fish industry also conducts fishing in this lake, and the Forest Department and Tourism Department have constructed cottages and nurseries on the banks of Kanewal Lake. The rest house of the irrigation department is also located here. The trees around the lake add to the beauty of the lake.
3 Islands of Kanewal
There are 3 islands (bats) in the center of Kanewal Lake. These islands are known as Isanpur Island, Valli Island and Rail Island. Of these, approximately 40 to 70 people live on the Valli mound. Those people make their living through agriculture and animal husbandry. As there is no electricity facility here, people generate electricity here through solar.
About 80 to 120 people live on a mound called Rail. They also earn their living through agriculture and animal husbandry. But there is no electricity facility here. People do not live on the Isanpur mound. Isanpur hills, Valli hills and Rail hills cover an area of approximately 50 hectares.
Picnic Point
Private individuals have constructed a beautiful picnic spot on an island situated in the middle of the lake. Private boating facility is also available to go there. Boating takes you to Velli Island. Where you will see mesmerizing scenery. Here you can come with family and spend whole day. This is a perfect place to have a picnic in the lap of nature.
On the island, locals have developed games that both children and adults can enjoy. You must have tied a tire to a tree and eaten it as a child, right? Now, this place is a good place to relive such moments in this city life.
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Home to flora and fauna
Kanewal has become a major destination for migratory birds in modern times. And it has become an important and highly diverse ecosystem. which is home to local flora and fauna. A large number of water birds are found here.
Here you will find both local as well as migratory birds. Among the amazing migratory birds, you can find grouse, hummingbirds, cormorants and ducks. Among the local birds, you will find Titodi, Kalakaliya, Bagla, Samdi, Saras, Surkhab etc.
You can visit every year. But the best time to visit is from September to March.
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