Objective:

To restore and enhance the freshwater capacity of community ponds in saline-prone areas for domestic and multiple-use purposes.

Overview:

SEED undertook the restoration of 15 community ponds covering a total area of 1.25 hectares in Radhadkrishnapur village. The restoration work included scientific desilting, repair of breached embankments, and salinity barrier reinforcements. The initiative focused on improving water availability in a region with limited groundwater potential and high surface water salinity due to tidal floods. These ponds now serve as reliable sources of water for daily domestic needs and small-scale agricultural activities.

Impact:

• Revived 15 community ponds, increasing freshwater storage capacity by approximately 1.25 hectares, benefiting over 1,000 villagers with improved access to clean water for domestic use and irrigation.
• Enabled year-round irrigation for over 40 acres of farmland, allowing marginal farmers to cultivate at least two cropping cycles annually, including kitchen gardens and small-scale horticulture units.
• Prevented salinization through reinforced pond embankments and community-led monitoring, reducing saltwater intrusion during tidal surges and monsoons.
• Enhanced water security in a chronically saline-prone region, significantly decreasing dependence on seasonal or contaminated water sources and improving resilience against drought and climate variability.