Revival of Decades-Old Pond in Sarog Panchayat, Theog

Shimla Mar 09, Anupam Kashyap DC Shimla

In a remarkable example of community-led conservation, a decades-old pond in Sarog Panchayat, Theog, has been revived after years of being dry. The pond, which was once a source of water for the villagers, had been lying dormant due to siltation. However, with the joint efforts of the local residents and the administration, the pond has been restored to its former glory.

The restoration of the pond was made possible with an investment of around Rs 60 lakh, which was contributed by various agencies. The breakdown of the investment is as follows:

– Rs 5 lakh under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
– Rs 15 lakh from the corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund of SJVN Ltd
– Rs 10 lakh from the Public Works Department
– Rs 5 lakh from the 15th Finance Commission

The restoration work involved desilting the pond, repairing the inlet and outlet channels, and strengthening the pond’s embankments. The work was carried out under the supervision of the local administration and involved the participation of local residents.

The restoration of the pond has had a significant impact on the local ecosystem. The pond now has around 80 lakh litres of water, which can be used for various purposes, including irrigation, drinking water, and relief work during forest fires.

The restoration of the pond has also led to the rejuvenation of natural water sources in nearby villages. Several natural springs in the area, which had dried up due to the depletion of the water table, have now started flowing again.

The restoration of the pond was a community-led effort, with local residents playing a key role in the restoration work. The local administration provided technical guidance and financial support, while the local residents contributed their labour and expertise.

The community participation in the restoration effort has not only helped to restore the pond but has also created a sense of ownership and responsibility among the local residents. The residents are now more aware of the importance of conserving natural resources and are taking steps to protect the pond and its surrounding ecosystem.

The local administration plans to further develop the pond and its surrounding area. Plans are afoot to construct a walking trail around the pond, create a children’s park, and establish a herbal garden.

The administration also plans to establish a water testing laboratory to monitor the quality of the water in the pond. This will help to ensure that the water is safe for drinking and other purposes.

The restoration of the decades-old pond in Sarog Panchayat, Theog, is a testament to the power of community-led conservation. The project has not only restored a vital source of water but has also created a sense of ownership and responsibility among the local residents. The project serves as a model for other communities to follow and demonstrates the importance of conserving natural resources for future generations.