In the Marwar region of Rajasthan, the historic Lordiya pond in the heart of Pali city stands as a testament to traditional community water heritage. Having quenched the thirst of the entire city for decades, this landmark reservoir had unfortunately deteriorated into an unmanaged dumping ground owing to a lack of upkeep. As toxic conditions escalated and threatened aquatic life, well-known social media activist Pandit Jivraj Shrimali stepped forward to reclaim the water body. Setting aside the constraints of advancing age, he rallied a dedicated team of youngsters and entered the murky waters himself to lead an extensive cleanup drive.
Severe Pollution and Neglect Threatened Aquatic Ecosystem
Lordiya pond once served as a cornerstone of daily life, culture, and community interaction in Pali. However, shifting times and prolonged administrative oversight gradually transformed this treasured site into a repository of filth. Massive volumes of plastic debris, household rubbish, and untreated sewage flowed in, turning the water hazardous. The environmental degradation reached alarming levels as toxic water caused hundreds of fish and other aquatic organisms to perish, while stray cattle and other animals that came to drink from the reservoir frequently fell ill.
Mobilizing Community Action to Extract Tons of Garbage
Refusing to remain an idle bystander while the city's historic pride choked on garbage, Pandit Jivraj Shrimali assembled an energetic collective of young citizens. Leading from the front, he waded directly into the swampy debris of the pond. Inspired by his initiative, hundreds of additional hands soon joined the mission. Together, the group managed to pull hundreds of tons of refuse out of Lordiya pond, physically clearing the site to restore the historic reservoir toward a healthier state.
A Broader Campaign Across Rajasthan to Protect Water Bodies
Pandit Jivraj Shrimali has established a recognized presence on social media and leads an extensive 'Clean River and Water Bodies' campaign across Rajasthan. Despite his senior years, he continues to visit different parts of the state to transform neglected ancient water bodies and rivers. The restoration effort at Lordiya pond represents the latest chapter in this voluntary initiative. Alongside clearing the debris, Shrimali made an earnest plea to residents, urging people never to dispose of polythene bags and garbage into water reservoirs so that birds, aquatic species, and domestic animals can be protected from harm.
Centuries of Water Management Heritage in Marwar
Located in central Pali, Lordiya pond exemplifies the sophisticated rainwater harvesting traditions developed during the princely state era. Long before modern municipal pipelines and water distribution networks existed, this expansive reservoir collected seasonal rainfall and functioned as the primary drinking water lifeline for Pali city and adjacent localities. The sturdy stone embankments, ornamental bastions, and ancient architecture surrounding the pond still testify to its civic importance, while the water body has historically played a crucial role in recharging local groundwater levels.
