Thiruvananthapuram: In a striking example of successful water resource restoration, two village ponds in the capital district's border region have remained full even during the peak summer, emerging as model initiatives in tackling water scarcity.
Ayirakulam Pond Revival
Ayirakulam pond in Karode grama panchayat and Ponnumkulam at Parasuvaikkal in Parassala panchayat are now flowing with water despite the harsh heat, underscoring the impact of sustained conservation efforts. Their revival stands in contrast to several other water bodies where large sums spent on renovation failed to yield lasting results.
Ayirakulam, spread across eight acres, fell into severe neglect over the past two decades, choked with silt, weeds and overgrowth. Once a vital source of water for farmers and locals, the pond nearly disappeared. Though initial appeals from residents for restoration were ignored, the previous panchayat administration eventually undertook a comprehensive revival project. Funded with Rs 1.63 crore under a Central government scheme through NABARD, the pond was desilted, cleared of invasive vegetation, and secured with protective fencing. Basic amenities, including facilities for morning walkers, were also introduced. Water from Neyyar Left Bank Canal was channelled into the pond through a feeder stream, ensuring a steady inflow. To prevent regrowth of weeds, fish fingerlings were introduced at a cost of around Rs 2 lakh, which proved effective in maintaining the ecosystem.
Residents say the restoration has significantly improved groundwater levels in the area. Earlier, wells in the region would run dry at the onset of summer, causing acute water shortages. This year, however, the area has not faced scarcity despite intense heat.
Ponnumkulam Revival
Similarly, Ponnumkulam, located along Karamana-Kaliyikkavila road, narrates another success story of revival. The pond slipped back into ruin around 15 years ago after its bund collapsed shortly following a costly renovation. Over time, delays in repair led to weed infestation, turning the pond into a marshland.
Following sustained protests by locals, renovation work was finally taken up during the final phase of the previous panchayat council. The damaged bund was reconstructed, and proper outlets were created to regulate water flow. After partial desilting, the pond was refilled using water from Neyyar canal. Today, Ponnumkulam remains full and even overflows during the summer. Farmers in two nearby paddy fields depend on the outflow for irrigation, enabling summer cultivation. Locals also report improvements in groundwater levels and even a noticeable dip in night-time temperatures in the surrounding areas.
With both ponds now thriving, there is a growing demand to replicate similar restoration models across other neglected water bodies in the border regions to address recurring water shortages.
