Save water programme: Ponds to be renovated

DHANBAD: The district administration has drawn plan to renovate over 900 ponds her under save water programme.

It also has launched a Green fund in the district for generating funds for the project for tree plantation on banks of ponds and water bodies to ensure that greenery and protection to ponds. Dhanbad Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) Sashi Ranjan has asked people to donate for the fund generously.

A bank account has also been opened to collect fund and people are encouraged to donate, said the DDC. He said one can even donate minimum Re 1 for the cause.

Ranjan said initially work on 88 ponds in Dhanbad block and 179 each in Topcnahci and Baghmara blocks have were started. Work also commenced in Nirsa and other blocks, added the DDC.

The ponds also would be made encroachment free after identification, said DDC. The aim is to upgrade the ponds water retention capacity by adopting several measures. Talking to media, Dr RS Pandyan, Jharkhand Mission Director (Watershed Management) said altogether 900 ponds had been identified that would be cleaned, deepened and a green belt would be created surrounding the ponds.

Dr Pandyan who was in Dhanbad for inspecting the ongoing projects of watershed management as well as save water programme expressed satisfaction over the progress of project implementation. Pandyen visited different ongoing projects in Nirsa and Kaliasole blocks of district and had on spot of projects.