Revived Ponds Beat Drought in Kerala

In a remarkable display of successful water resource management, two village ponds in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram district have defied the summer heat, remaining full and flowing. Ayirakulam pond and Ponnumkulam are now testaments to the impact of dedicated conservation efforts.

Ayirakulam pond, an eight-acre water body, had fallen into disrepair over two decades. A comprehensive revival project, funded at Rs 1.63 crore, saw it desilted, cleared of weeds, and secured with fencing. Water from the Neyyar Left Bank Canal was directed into the pond, ensuring a constant supply. Introduction of fish fingerlings helped maintain the ecosystem, leading to improved groundwater levels and ending local water shortages.

Ponnumkulam also narrates a similar success. After its bund collapsed around 15 years ago, the pond became marshy. Following local protests, renovation included reconstructing the bund and regulating water flow. Refilled using Neyyar canal water, it now remains full, supporting summer paddy cultivation and improving local groundwater.

The thriving condition of both ponds has spurred a demand for replicating these successful restoration models across other neglected water bodies in the region, offering a potent solution to recurring water scarcity issues.