Kumar Bahukhandi
Rejuvenation of a 20-Year-Old Pond, Irrigation, and Fish Farming Transforming the Lives of Villagers
Raipur: The pond renovated under Mission Amrit Sarovar in Kishori village, Sonhat District Panchayat area of Koriya district in Chhattisgarh , is giving a new direction to rural life. Once unused, the pond has now become an important source of daily water supply, drinking water for livestock, agriculture, and livelihood enhancement for the villagers.
Rejuvenation of a 20-Year-Old Pond
A nearly 20-year-old pond in Kishori village panchayat had fallen into disrepair due to prolonged neglect. In the financial year 2022-23, on the proposal of the Panchayat, it was revived under Mission Amrit Sarovar. The pond was renovated at a cost of approximately ₹10 lakh, tripling its water storage capacity to 10,000 cubic meters.
Water reached 18 acres of fields
The revival of the pond is directly benefiting nearby farmers. Farmers Manoj Raksel and Arvind Singh now have three acres of land each, while Surendra, Laxman, Virendra, and Anand each have more than two acres. Jagbali Yadav also has approximately one and a quarter acres of land irrigated from the pond. Farmers reported that they are now cultivating Rabi crops in addition to Kharif crops, which has improved their income.
Women Earn ‘₹ 75,000
The Gram Panchayat leased the Amrit Sarovar to a local women’s self-help group as a livelihood enhancement tool. Women members of the “Jai Maa Women’s Self-Help Group” earned ‘₹ 75,000 by selling fish from this pond last summer. The group’s president Sonkunwar, and secretary, Jirabai said that fish production worth approximately 3 lakh Rupees is expected this year. This initiative is providing an additional source of income and a means of nutritional enhancement for women.
Amrit Sarovar has become a symbol of prosperity.
This Amrit Sarovar in Kishori Gram Panchayat has become not only a means of water conservation, but also a symbol of prosperity for farmers and self-reliance for women. Villagers say they are now seeing positive changes in their lives.
