Bhainsamunda village revitalizes community pond, paving the way for sustainable fisheries and development
Jharsuguda(30/08/2024): Bhainsamunda village in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district has embarked on an inspiring journey of transformation, breathing new life into their communal pond through the collective efforts of the Village Development Committee (VDC) and Gram Vikas.
This remarkable initiative, launched in September 2023, is set to bolster the village’s water security and establish a sustainable fisheries enterprise. The village pond, once a vital resource for irrigation, washing, and cattle, began drying up in the early 2000s, leaving the community in distress.
Despite numerous appeals for assistance, the pond remained neglected until the Bhainsamunda VDC, backed by seven active Self Help Groups (SHGs), took decisive action in 2020.
However, the pond’s private ownership by three residents—Mayadhar Munda, Gauranga Bhui, and Kia Kisan—posed a challenge in securing public funds for its restoration. In a pivotal meeting in 2023, orchestrated by Gram Vikas, the VDC and SHG members rallied the entire village to find a solution.
The original owners agreed to donate the pond to the VDC, enabling the mobilisation of funds under MGNREGS for its restoration.
With ?2,00,000 sanctioned by the Sarpanch, 50 village residents worked tirelessly over two weeks in May 2023, deepening the pond to 15 feet—three times its original depth. "The transformation was not just physical," says Narottam Dhurua, a VDC member.
"As we landscaped the pond’s periphery and planted trees, we were creating new spaces for the community to gather." When the monsoon arrived, the restored pond filled with water, symbolizing the village’s resilience and unity.
Gram Vikas provided 1,000 fingerlings to kickstart the fisheries, marking the beginning of a sustainable livelihood for the community. "The income from the fishery will support our Pipe Water Supply operations and other village development initiatives," shares Dhurua.
"Surplus income will be kept in the VDC account for future projects, moving us toward self-reliance." Upendra Kumura, a local farmer, highlights the broader impact: "This pond is not just water; it’s a lifeline.
It recharges the groundwater, ensures our crops survive dry spells, and brings hope for better yields and stable incomes." The story of Bhainsamunda’s pond is a testament to the power of community action and collaboration, showcasing how rural communities can navigate the challenges of sustainable water management and livelihood creation.
