Breathing new life into old ponds in Kollam

While water shortage has been reported in many parts of the district, Kollam district panchayat’s ‘Sujalam’, a project to rejuvenate drying waterbodies, is breathing new life into old ponds. The project is being implemented in various parts of the district to rejuvenate ponds in rural areas so that the water can be used for drinking and irrigation. Around 15 to 20 ponds are being rejuvenated annually as part of the project that has been going on for 10 years. The ponds are selected based on the opinions of people’s representatives and the public, along with the recommendations of the members of each panchayat ward. The main consideration is given to water sources that have remained unused for years, overgrown with weeds, and in a state of disrepair.
The district panchayat has rejuvenated approximately 200 ponds over the past 10 years, spending around ₹40 crore. Some of these include Orumaloor pond in Mynagappally grama panchayat, Thumbilissery pond in Klappana grama panchayat, Cherumoodu kadampatt pond in Perinad panchayat, Peroor Puthussery pond in Kottankara panchayat, and the Kummil temple pond.

“When the project commenced, many of these ponds were dry and totally useless. The rejuvenation of these ponds was undertaken to support agricultural needs and to help retain groundwater,” said district panchayat president P.K. Gopan.
Each rejuvenated waterbody has an average of 50-100 beneficiaries. As a result of the rejuvenation, water is available in the wells within a one-km radius of the ponds. As part of the project, each pond has been deepened by removing soil, and facilities have been ensured to allow water to enter and excess water to flow out. Regulator valves have also been installed to supply the necessary water for agriculture. The respective grama panchayats are responsible for ensuring that the cleaned ponds do not become filled with waste again.

Every year, ₹4 crore is allocated from the district panchayat’s annual plan fund for the project. Technical officers from the Soil Survey and Soil Conservation department conduct site inspections to thoroughly study the current condition of the ponds and the work required for rejuvenation, and then prepare an estimate.
The works include strengthening the sides of the ponds, increasing storage capacity by removing silt and soil, constructing walkways and handrails for access, paving with interlocking tiles, constructing compound walls, and ensuring clean water. The renovation works are carried out with the assistance of clubs, voluntary organizations, and NSS units. So far, ponds ranging in size from 10 cents to 65 cents have been rejuvenated under this project.

Published – April 29, 2025 07:28 pm IST