MANOJ SINHA
Ramgarh, March 13: The West Bokaro Division of the Tata Steel Foundation has set an example by rejuvenating and beautifying an old pond in Pundi village under the Mandu block to promote biodiversity.
Notably, years ago this pond, built by the community, had become unusable due to uncontrolled human activities, which had led to pollution in water and the pond had become a garbage dump.
The pond of Pundi village was an important resource for the surrounding villages and hamlets, as it was used for bathing, washing clothes, and watering cattle. The village drains had been diverted towards the pond, and its condition had worsened due to the dumping of wastewater and garbage.
At the request of the community, Tata Steel Foundation undertook the work for the rejuvenation and beautification of the pond. As part of the project, the foundation carried out the disposal of waste, field levelling and dressing, desilting and widening of the pond, replacement of pond dam with outlet, strengthening, diversion of village drains network, construction of pond steps, changing rooms, seating arrangement, pathways and lighting works.
Rejuvenation of the pond and increase in water storage capacity post-monsoon this year will provide a healthy environment to the community which will not only help with water needs and groundwater recharging of Pundi village but also provide a pleasant and healthy environment for the villagers.
Along with this, the rejuvenation of the pond in Pundi village will also serve as a model for similar projects.
