By: Express News ServiceAhmedabad | October 8, 2025 04:51 AM IST 3 min readThe initiative will include a guided tour through a stretch of the rainwater catchment and its channels to Hamirsar Lake.A GUIDED tour through a stretch of the historic rainwater catchment and its interconnected channels leading up to the Hamirsar Lake in Bhuj, offering an opportunity to people to learn more about the site and its challenges, will be organised as part of ‘Watch Day’ celebrations for the first time at Bhuj in Kutch on October 10.“Watch Day is being celebrated in Bhuj for the first time with a series of events, organised by World Monuments Fund India (WMFI), the Center for Heritage Conservation at CEPT Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), Bhuj-based Homes in the City, and Bhuj Nagarpalika,” Prof Jigna Desai of the Center for Heritage Conservation, CEPT Research and Development Foundation, CEPT University, told The Indian Express on Tuesday.Earlier this year, Bhuj Historic Water Systems was selected by the World Monuments Fund as one amongst the 25 global sites included on the 2025 World Monuments Watch highlighting the need for its immediate conservation. Bhuj historic water systems, which comprises Hamirsar Lake, was selected from over 200 nominations that underwent extensive internal and external review by an independent panel of international heritage experts. Amongst the criteria considered, the site’s cultural significance, the need for timely action, and the feasibility of the proposed approach were most significant.Story continues below this adMalini Thadani, Executive Director of World Monuments Fund India , said in a statement, “Water plays such a significant role in our lives; we are delighted that our programme “Historic Water Bodies of India” under which we are restoring several significant water bodies and WMF’s World Watch can together shine a light on how communities can work together to rejuvenate their ancient and traditional water systems across India.”As mentioned by the nominators of the site to the Watch, Jayashree Bardhan of the Center for Heritage Conservation, CEPT Research and Development Foundation, CEPT University said, “The city urgently needs to invest in its historic water infrastructure that feeds Hamirsar Lake, in order to build a strong and resilient community through culture-based climate action.”“Bhuj’s traditional water systems remind us that our heritage offers practical solutions for today’s challenges. It is time we renew our efforts to protect and revive them,” said Aseem Mishra, Programme Director, Homes in the City (HIC).The celebration will include a guided visit through a stretch of the historic rainwater catchment and its interconnected channels leading up to Hamirsar Lake. Visitors can interact with local officials and subject experts and explore interactive displays and screenings. The public event in the evening will introduce the World Monuments Watch along with the historic significance and present challenges of the site. It will be organised at Khengarji Park, near Hamirsar Lake, Bhuj, at 6:30 pm and is open to all.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:ahmedabad