Draft:Jait Sagar Lake

Jait Sagar Lake is situated in the Bundi city in the state of Rajasthan in India. This lake is surrounded by hills of Aravalli mountain range. This lake, near Taragarh Fort, is filled with lots of lotus flowers during winter and monsoon seasons. Jait Sagar is surrounded by towering walls and has four gateways that serve as entry points to the lake. It is located at a distance of less than 3 km from Bundi city.

It is one of the four lakes of the Bundi city; the other three being: the Nawal Sagar Lake, Phool Sagar Lake, Kanak Sagar Lake.

History
This Lake was built in the early 14th Century A.D. by Jaita Meena. Later on, it was got repaired by Gehlotni Jayvanti, the mother of Rao Raja Surjan Singh (the ruler of Bundi between 1544 and 1585 A.D.) and the masonary work was done.

Architecture & Attractions of the Lake
This Lake is 4 km in length. It is flanked by Aravalli ranges of mountains and the fully blossomed lotus flowers enhance the beauty of the Lake during the monsoon [July-September) and winter (October-March) months. It is surrounded by huge walls having four ornamented gateways. Various competitions are held here from time to time. It is home to a wide variety of birds both resident and migratory.

There is a castle like sturcture near this lake that is known as Sukh Mahal. It was built during the reign of Umed Singh. it was host to Rudyard Kipling who wrote “Kim” during his stay here in the 19th century. It is one of the most visited summer palace situated in Bundi. With the hill at the backstage, and being surrounded by luxuriant and thriving garden, Sukh Mahal is a treat to the tourists. One can find a touch of Mughal art in the paintings that adorn the walls of the palace.

Lake restoration works
In 2015, the administration had proposed to initiate boating in Jait Sagar Lake to promote tourism. Heavy machinery was brought in from Udaipur to free the lake from lotuses. For months, the lotuses were dug out. But they say once the lotus sets in an environment that is conducive, it is simply Impossible to eradicate it totally and that's exactly what happened. Even in the thick of summer, the lotuses never lost ground.

The proposal for boating came around with the sanction of Rs 98 crore for Jait Sagar under the XI Five-Year Plan of GOI. Under the National Lake Conservation Project (NLCP), the state had prioritized lakes for inclusion in the plan. Detailed project reports were framed by the Consultants. While 70% funds were to come from the union government, the state government committed to bear the 30% of project cost. Though it is not known how much funds were spent on the project, sources say it was substantial.

Cleanliness issues
In 2020, to save Jait sagar Lake, aware and concerned city residents started the Save Jait sagar Lake campaign. Citizens told the district collector that the filth in the lake should be cleaned, it should be beautified and conserved by removing lotus roots. Garbage is being dumped everywhere in the lake.

Events
Jait Sagar is popular destination for organizing events. Every year, Bundi Utsav, a cultural Program held by tourism department of Rajasthan is organised at the banks of Jait sagar Lake. Many cultural activities are done in this program.