What is Hatta Falaj?
Hatta Falaj is actually a network of underground channels that convey water from a central source, typically through a well or spring, to areas in need such as agricultural fields. It is an irrigation system used in the United Arab Emirates which provides water to agricultural fields such as crops, fruits and other plants in arid areas where rainfall is scanty and insufficient. This system does not use a mechanical pump to draw water. Instead it relies on the force of gravity to move water through its channels. It also supplies water to households for domestic purposes. The agricultural system in the UAE is very good due to drought.
We will also talk about the parts of the circulatory system. So basically, it consists of three main parts: catchment area, distribution network. The third part is the end-use area.
- So a catchment area is the area where water usually collects. It can be a well, spring or any other source of water.
- A distribution network is a system of channels that conveys water from a catchment area to an end-use area. These channels are made of stones, bricks, concrete etc and are lined with soil to prevent leakage.
- The area of end use is the area where water is usually required such as agricultural fields or domestic residence or any other needy area.
The history of Hatta Falaj
It is an ancient and widely used system that provides water to areas where water is not available. So, Hatta Falaj systems are generally designed to collect and transfer water from underground reservoirs to farmers’ fields. This system was developed in the Middle East. It is believed to have been developed by the Persians who occupied the region from the 6th to 4th centuries. BC. After that this system was not used. But now again this system is being used in UAE. The system is generally managed by the Dubai Municipality, which supplies water to farmers in the Hatta area.
How Hatta Falaj Works
The Hatta Falaj irrigation system of the United Arab Emirates is one of the oldest and most viable irrigation systems in the world. This is an underground irrigation system and usually uses a network of wells and tunnels to transport water from the mountains to the coastal plains. Hatta Falaj is divided into fields and villages by a system of canals and aqueducts. The water channels buried underground that carried water to the fields and irrigated them. It has been in use for over 1000 years. It uses very less water than other irrigation systems so it is the best and most efficient way of transporting water and a good example of this is the old irrigation system still being used effectively and agriculturally. Along with this, domestic people are also benefiting from Hatta Falaj System.
Hatta Falaj
So we have already discussed above that Hatta Falaj is an irrigation system in United Arab Emirates (UAE) which is intended for irrigation of crops or any other domestic areas. It has been used for over 1,000 years. It is actually a system of channels and reservoirs that collect and store water from underground water sources or rainfall in the Hajar Mountains. This water is then sent to areas in need or for irrigation systems.
The Benefits of Hatta Falaj
As we know that water is the most important source of life. It is the most important and efficient source of water in the UAE is the Hatta Falaj system. There are many benefits of Hatta Falaj which we will discuss below.
Hatta Falaj system is the most efficient system which provides a reliable source of water for agriculture and landscape during drought and is used very efficiently in crops.
This system helps in water conservation.
It is the most sustainable and efficient way to irrigate crops and landscapes.
The system also provides employment opportunities for those who need the work and are skilled in managing and operating the system.
The Future of Hatta Falaj
Hatta Falaj is still used since ancient times. A major renovation project is currently underway which will restore the canals to their former glory and further increase the capacity of the project. The project is being run by Dubai Municipality. Whenever this renovation project is completed, the canals will be able to supply water to villages and farms. This system will benefit the needs of economy and agriculture as well as domestic needs.