From Neglect to Rejuvenation: A Community-Led Initiative for Sundarbans' Ponds

• Mukti started work on 3R’s i.e Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies in the proposed region.
• Total 250 water bodies/ ponds will be targeted where 5 to 10 katta of Ponds were rejuvenated or newly excavated to restore the rain water and revive the ground water belt.
• Individuals with smaller ponds that have limited water holding capacity may benefit from rejuvenating their ponds to increase their rainwater storage capacity, thereby enabling them to utilize the water for secondary crops such as paddy.
• The organization did a pre-study & mapping along with that that weed removal and desilting of ponds. Re-Construction of the existing pond (Staircase, embankment formation, main bund strengthening, surface leveling etc)

• Dedicated team comprising of Field supervisor, technician, and experts involved in project implementation
• Conducted household surveys, focus group discussions, pre-study, and mapping to identify beneficiaries
• Provision for forming Village Level Committee for project sustainability

Mathurapur-II Block ,South24Parganas

• The comprehensive improvement of water bodies has increased the availability of drinking water and has developed agricultural activities in the Sundarban region.
• The people and animals in the area now have access to plenty of water for daily use. The increased water level has also brought environmental benefits through groundwater recharge.
• Additionally, the community is now better off as they no longer have to depend on groundwater for their water needs