Restoration of Nahal Galim: Nature invades the city in Tirat Carmel

Nahal Galim on the way to becoming a leisure and recreation site

A significant project is underway in Tirat Carmel: the route of the Galim Stream will undergo rehabilitation and upgrading, which will add a new hiking trail connecting the Little Switzerland Nature Reserve to the city. The project, which is being carried out at the initiative of the Tirat Carmel Municipality and in cooperation with the Carmel Drainage and Streams Authority, focuses on accessibility for residents, improving drainage infrastructure, and preventing flooding in the area.

Environmental investment and public welfare

The cost of the first phase of the project is estimated at approximately 3 million shekels, funded by the Open Spaces Preservation Fund. The move includes adapting the drainage infrastructure to cope with high flow volumes, thereby preventing flooding damage. At the same time, planning is underway to transform the stream into a recreation and community activity center, while preserving the natural values ​​and ecosystem unique to the area.

Mayor: "An important project for nature and residents"

Dudu Cohen, Mayor of Tirat Carmel, emphasized the importance of the project and noted that it is a large-scale initiative that will improve the quality of life of the residents: "I welcome the start of the implementation of the plan to restore Nahal Galim, one of Tirat Carmel's natural treasures. This is an integrated project that will connect tourism, recreation and community, while ensuring the preservation of flora and fauna, for the well-being of the city's residents and visitors. There is definitely something to look forward to."

regional cooperation

Chairman of the Carmel Drainage Authority and Head of the Alona Regional Council, Aryeh Sharon, emphasized the important partnership with the Tirat Carmel Municipality: "The Carmel Drainage and Streams Authority operates in all of its member municipalities, for the benefit of the safety of residents, the restoration and preservation of streams, as well as the creation of recreational and hiking spaces for the general public."

Hiking trail and ecological restoration

According to the Director General of the Carmel Drainage and Streams Authority, Eyal Shani, the project began following a request from the Tirat Carmel Municipality to rehabilitate the stream, after it had been a nuisance for years. "The goal is to make the stream more accessible and visible, and to enable a unique hiking experience for Tirat Carmel residents and travelers coming from Little Switzerland or the university area."

The work began in the section near the Muslim cemetery, and from there it will extend westward toward Nahal Galim Park. As part of the project, work will be carried out to improve water flow and prevent flooding, a comfortable walking path will be established, and an emphasis will be placed on integrating urban nature with the local ecosystem.

Expected completion of the works

The work is in full swing and it is estimated that some of it will be completed by this coming summer, including the arrangement of the banks and the preparation of the walking trail. Full ecological restoration will require additional time, but the intention is to bring nature from the Carmel to the heart of the city of Tirat Carmel and create a high-quality recreational and nature area accessible to the public.