Bhubaneswar: The restoration work of Haridamada pond in Mendhasala Panchayat near Bhubaneswar began Saturday as a collaborative effort of Odia daily Dharitri and the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI).
The pond, which is an important source of water for local men and women, had been in poor shape for years. Nearby villagers had been demanding restoration of the pond for a long time now. Dharitri joined hands with EFI to assist in the restoration work of the pond after coming to know about the issue.
Jatni MLA Suresh Routray, Khordha Collector K Sudarshan Chakraborty, Dharitri and OrissaPOST Editor Tathagata Satpathy, CEO Adyasha Satpathy, EFI Founder Arun Krishnamurthy were present along with other dignitaries on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Routray appreciated the work undertaken by Dharitri, EFI and thanked the organisations for giving a new lease of life to the pond in a tribal area.
“The water level of water bodies in Odisha are depleting year after year. Many a ponds lose their identities in rural areas after lying in neglect for years. Dharitri and EFI came together to restore this pond so that locals can benefit. This move will continue in future as well,” said Editor Satpathy.
EFI’s Krishnamurthy informed that restoration will not only benefit the locals but also livestock. “Despite the dependence of locals and their animals on this pond, this pond was lying in neglect. This small attempt to restore it will benefit everyone,” he added.
Locals expressed their happiness over the restoration. Sarpanch Koushalya Baliarsingh thanked Dharitri, EFI and hoped that the organisations would continue to restore water bodies elsewhere as well bringing positive changes to the lives of commoners.
PNN