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Bihar's Ponds Under Threat: A Decade-Long Fight
11 Aug
Summary
- Darbhanga activist leads fight to protect ponds for over a decade.
- Encroachment and neglect led to sharp decline in historic water bodies.
- Supreme Court directives bolster efforts to conserve Bihar's wetlands.
Nearly 13 years ago, Darbhanga-based activist Narayan Ji Chaudhary launched the Talab Bachao Abhiyan (TBA) to protect the region's dwindling ponds and wetlands. Darbhanga, historically known for its numerous ponds, has seen a drastic reduction from over 300 to a fraction due to encroachment, waste dumping, and official apathy.
The situation became critical around 2005 as groundwater levels dropped sharply, prompting Chaudhary to seek inspiration from water conservationists. He returned to document encroachments on 24 major water bodies and initiated public awareness campaigns.
The movement gained significant traction, evolving into a people's initiative with support from communities dependent on these water bodies. This collective action helped prevent the filling of ponds like Betagami Pond and spurred authorities to act.
Legal interventions, including Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal directives, have now mandated the creation of a comprehensive digital inventory of Bihar's ponds and wetlands. This development is expected to strengthen ongoing conservation efforts and ensure better monitoring and protection of these vital ecological assets.
