The Dumlottee Wells, also known as Dumlottee Conduit, is a defunct water supply system in Karachi.[1] It was the inaugural water supply system in Karachi, established in British India-era.[2]
History edit
Dumlottee Wells were constructed by British Indian engineers in the 19th century.[3] The system originally comprised 15 wells, excavated along the Malir River to provide a reliable water supply for the burgeoning city.[3]
Throughout the British colonial period, the conduit underwent two significant development phases.[3] The first, commenced in 1881, involved the construction of several wells near the Dumlottee section of the river.[3] This phase enabled the delivery of five million gallons of water daily to Karachi Cantonment.[3] Additionally, filtration galleries, engineered to facilitate efficient water transfer, were installed to ensure an uninterrupted supply to the city.[3]
The second phase, initiated in 1923, included the establishment of additional wells, boosting the city's water supply by 15 million gallons.[3] Historical records indicate the creation of 16 wells at Dumlottee, designed to provide 20 million gallons per day (MGD) of water to Karachi.[3] A 32-kilometre conduit was also constructed in the same year.[3]
The ancient conduit spans multiple areas, including Al-Hilal Society, Aziz Bhatti Park, Civil Lines, Dumlottee, Gulshan Block 6, Mashriq Centre, Karachi University, Malir Cantonment, NIPA Chowrangi, Old Sabzi Mandi, and Safoora Chowrangi.[3]
While it was once a vital water source for various parts of Karachi, only one well currently operates, furnishing Gadap Town with 500,000 gallons of water daily.[3] The Dumlottee Conduit draws its water supply from Keenjhar Lake.[3]
References edit
- ^ Hasan, Shazia (August 4, 2013). "The 12 remaining Dumlottee wells". Dawn. Archived from the original on October 10, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ "'ڈملوٹی اسکیم' برطانوی دور کا پہلا فراہمی آب کا نظام". Daily Jang. Archived from the original on 2023-01-19. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Dumlottee Conduit: A neglected historical asset". The Express Tribune. October 2, 2019. Archived from the original on August 28, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2023.