WALING: A total of 27 recharge ponds have been constructed across Syangja district under the ‘One Community Forest, One Pond’ campaign. Initiated by the Gandaki Province Government in fiscal year 2078/79 BS, the campaign aims to conserve water sources and enhance the sustainability of forest ecosystems.
According to Ammar Bahadur Parajuli, Forest Officer at the Division Forest Office, the campaign has been implemented steadily over the past four fiscal years. “Three recharge ponds were constructed in FY 2081/82, 12 in FY 2080/81, eight in FY 2079/80, and four in FY 2078/79,” he informed.
“So far, 27 ponds have been built in 27 community forests,” said Parajuli. “We plan to expand this effort by constructing more recharge ponds in additional forests in the coming years.”
He explained that recharge ponds are especially crucial in areas where water sources in river valleys are gradually drying up. Constructing ponds in mid-hill and upland areas helps revive springs and increase water flow in downstream regions.
“These ponds not only help recharge groundwater but also prevent wild animals from entering villages in search of water,” Parajuli said. “Road construction has caused some water sources to vanish. But with recharge ponds in the upper forest areas, we can ensure water availability in lower regions, support livestock grazing, and even use the water for irrigation when necessary.”
Depending on the topography, concrete walls are constructed around the ponds, while the lower sections are left in their natural state to allow water percolation.
Umakanta Subedi, Chairperson of the Pond Construction Consumer Committee of Kucheko Muhan Community Forest in Fedikhola Rural Municipality-4, noted the multipurpose benefits of these forest ponds. “We are using them for irrigation, livestock watering, and preserving downstream springs. They also serve as a source of drinking water for wild animals,” he said.
Subedi added that the forest areas have become more scenic and vibrant since the construction of the ponds.
The Division Forest Office, Syangja, has been providing Rs 100,000 for the construction of each pond under this campaign.
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