Plan approved to restore Ain Al Raha natural water sources after years of neglect

TDT | Manama

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A revival plan for the neglect-hit ancient Ain Al Raha spring on Sitra won approval from the Capital Trustees Board yesterday, with the file sent to the competent bodies to take it forward.

The proposal was put forward by council member Mohammed Al Abbas, who said the spring was among Bahrain’s oldest natural water sources and had suffered from neglect and environmental damage.

“Ain Al Raha is one of the oldest and most important natural springs in Bahrain,” Al Abbas told the council. “Due to neglect and environmental factors, the spring has become threatened with disappearance.”

The scheme centres on restoring the spring itself, starting with clearing the basin and removing built-up sediment, then strengthening its walls using materials meant to preserve its archaeological character.

Study

It also calls for a study into restoring natural water flow, or creating an interim option that mirrors the spring’s earlier form.

Around the site, the proposal sets out plans for a heritage park with walking paths, shaded seating and rest areas, and planting to recreate the spring’s older setting, when it was surrounded by palm trees.

The plan also calls for low lighting suited to the site’s historic character, CCTV cameras to deter vandalism, and a low heritage-style fence to mark the spring’s boundary and protect it without spoiling the view.

Workshops

An information centre is proposed to display photographs and documents on Ain Al Raha and other old springs in Sitra and across Bahrain, with the option of school workshops on the country’s water heritage.

Al Abbas said the project was meant to serve residents and visitors, and could support small local ventures linked to the site, such as heritage crafts, a traditional café and guided tours.

“This project represents an important step to revive Ain Al Raha and protect Bahrain’s natural and historical heritage,” he said.

Support facilities in the proposal include public toilets near the site, parking designed not to harm the surrounding environment, and the option of small heritage kiosks selling local goods.

The Board has discussed the site before.

Plot

In December 2017, it approved reclassifying the plot at Ain Al Raha, recorded as Property No. 06019307 in Sitra’s Block 603, to recreational zoning in preparation for a public park.

The decision was then referred on an urgent basis to the Urban Planning and Development Authority.

In a response relayed in July 2018, the authority said the plot fell within “unplanned areas” under the approved maps at the time, while a detailed plan for the wider area was being prepared to adjust land status and create a fuller road network.

Services

It added that the location of Ain Al Raha had been preserved and that services were being provided to support it as a future public park within the plan under study.

Under the current classification maps, the site is listed within an archaeological area.