(16th–24th May 2025): Mahal, Dhinkia Panchayat, Erasama, Jagatsinghpur, Odisha.
After the weed-laden waters of the village pond were cleared in Phase 1, the path was paved for deeper, more transformative change. Phase 2 of the rejuvenation project—carried out from 16th to 24th May 2025—was not merely a technical intervention; it was an expression of collective resolve, ecological responsibility, and grassroots water stewardship.
This phase moved beyond surface restoration to address the core health of the pond, reviving not only its physical structure but also its spiritual essence and ecological vitality.
A Fourfold Path to Revival
1. Desludging: Restoring Depth, Reclaiming Capacity
Years of sedimentation had quietly stolen the life force of the pond, turning it into a shallow basin that could no longer fulfill the needs of the village. In Phase 2, manual and machine-aided desludging cleared this accumulated silt, dramatically increasing the pond’s water retention capacity. This act, simple in its method but profound in impact, is expected to extend the pond’s service well into the dry seasons, providing reliable water for livestock, agriculture, and groundwater recharge.
“We never imagined this pond could be this deep again,” remarked an elderly villager. “It’s like watching an old friend come back to life.”
2. Dewatering: Making Space for the Fresh and Pure
Before rejuvenation, the pond held stagnant, foul-smelling wastewater, a mix of runoff and decaying biomass. In this phase, the pond was carefully dewatered, allowing sunlight and oxygen to reset the microbial balance. With the waste removed, the pond is now ready to receive clean rainwater and naturally filtered groundwater, making it once again a source of health and life.
3. Barricading: A Fence of Protection, A Symbol of Ownership
To protect this newly revived ecosystem, the pond’s perimeter was fenced—an action that was both physical and symbolic. While cement poles and barbed wire were provided under the JSW Foundation Fellowship, the community contributed bamboo from each household, stitching together a story of shared guardianship.
This fence now prevents stray cattle from polluting the water, allows fish and aquatic plants to thrive, and offers children a safe, clean space to learn and play by the pond.
4. Disinfection: Reclaiming Health and Hygiene
Recognizing the pond’s direct link to public health, the final intervention involved disinfection using bleaching powder, neutralizing harmful pathogens. It was a vital step to ensure that the revived waterbody is safe for contact—for rituals, for washing, and eventually, for integrated water reuse.
The Ecosystem Responds: Biodiversity Returns
Perhaps the most heartening sign of success came from the water itself. As silt was cleared and wastewater drained, life emerged—native fish like Ratta Macha, Kou Macha, and even turtles were spotted by volunteers. These sightings reaffirm the pond’s role as a living ecosystem, not just a water container.
This ecological comeback is also expected to benefit local agriculture, as nutrient-rich pond silt can be used to enhance soil fertility, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
Community at the Heart of Transformation
This phase of the rejuvenation effort was driven by intense community participation. Every day, men and women from the village offered shramdaan—voluntary physical labor—sweating not for personal gain, but for a collective future.
- Each household donated bamboo, a humble but powerful symbol of ownership.
- 15 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) came forward, voluntarily contributing ₹200 each to support Phase 2, a sign of growing trust and alignment with the project’s long-term vision.
These acts of solidarity turned what could have been a typical development project into a people’s movement.
A Sacred Resource Reclaimed
In our village, the pond has never been just a water body. It is where rituals are performed, stories are told, children are bathed, and livelihoods begin. With each stage of rejuvenation, this once-degraded resource is reclaiming its role as a spiritual, economic, and ecological cornerstone.
The story of this transformation didn’t remain within the village boundaries. The remarkable efforts of the community—rooted in voluntary labor, traditional knowledge, and sustainable action—caught wider attention and were featured in The Indian Express, The Statesman Service, and Sambad. These national and regional platforms not only amplified the initiative’s impact but also recognized the community’s exemplary leadership in water stewardship.
Looking Ahead: A Model of Community-Led Water Governance
The rejuvenated pond now stands as a symbol of what is possible when institutions and communities walk hand in hand. With Phase 2 complete, the foundation has been laid for further developments such as:
- Aquatic life cultivation (e.g., community fish farming)
- Rainwater harvesting structures and silt traps
- Educational signage and awareness programs for youth
- Linking the pond to water budgeting exercises for household-level water management
Final Reflections
The story of this pond is not just about water. It is about agency, resilience, and the power of collective intention. In just eight days, Phase 2 has transformed a stagnant, forgotten water body into a dynamic reservoir of life and learning.
And perhaps most importantly, it has reminded the community of their immense capacity to heal what was broken, together.
In the ripples of this pond, we now see more than reflections—we see hope.
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