The gram panchayat of Nehla village in Fatehabad district, Haryana, has initiated the restoration of the Pinana pond after clearing encroachments that had persisted for nearly 50 years. The move aims to provide a permanent solution to waterlogging ahead of the monsoon season.
Encroachments Cleared After Decades
The pond, located in the heart of the village, spans 4.5 acres under Khasra No. 416. Approximately 1.75 acres of this land had been illegally occupied by 24 families. Among them, eight families had constructed permanent houses, while 16 others had built cattle sheds, dung pits, and other temporary structures. Following repeated notices and action under government directives, the occupants voluntarily removed the encroachments, allowing the panchayat to proceed with restoration.
Deepening Work Underway
The panchayat originally planned to excavate the pond under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). However, due to the area's waterlogged soil and high groundwater table, the work is now being carried out using heavy machinery. Sarpanch Krishna Kumar Dhillon and Gram Sachiv Vikram Siwach stated that the goal is to complete deepening before the monsoon, enabling the pond to store maximum rainwater and reduce waterlogging in the village.
Community Support and Official Praise
The panchayat reported that villagers have extended full support to the restoration drive, raising hopes for long-term relief from waterlogging. Block Development and Panchayat Officer Rishabh Singla praised the initiative, emphasizing that reviving encroachment-free village ponds is crucial for water conservation and sustainable waterlogging solutions.
Impact and Future Outlook
By increasing the pond's storage capacity, the project is expected to mitigate flooding during heavy rains and recharge groundwater. The restoration also sets a precedent for other villages grappling with encroachments and waterlogging. With the monsoon approaching, the timely completion of deepening work is critical to maximizing the pond's benefits for the community.
