Dry Ponds, Dying Villages: The Mission to Revive India’s Water Veins

Dry Ponds, Dying Villages: The Mission to Revive India’s Water Veins

India's traditional ponds — once vibrant centers of life, culture, and agriculture — are vanishing under pressure from construction, pollution, and neglect. Damooga Foundation’s Pond Rejuvenation mission aims to revive these water bodies, restoring their role in groundwater recharge, irrigation, and community wellbeing.

Many villages in Tamil Nadu and other states suffer severe water scarcity, even as monsoon rains go unharvested. By desilting old ponds, strengthening bunds, and introducing rainwater diversion channels, the Foundation brings back age-old water wisdom in modern times.

Each rejuvenation project begins with a hydro-geological survey and local community meetings to ensure the work is relevant and inclusive. Native trees are planted along pond boundaries to prevent soil erosion and support biodiversity. Where feasible, check dams and filtration zones are introduced to enhance the pond’s function.

Revived ponds bring migratory birds, recharge borewells, support agriculture, and create microclimates that benefit surrounding habitats. In times of climate uncertainty, recharging ponds is recharging resilience — one village at a time.