Along with pushing development in urban areas, Azamgarh district is now turning its attention to giving villages a fresh look. The district administration has begun work on a plan aimed at boosting greenery and improving water conservation in rural areas by making village ponds completely free of plastic and developing lush surroundings around them. The direct benefit will go to villagers, who will get a cleaner, greener environment to live in.
The plan is being rolled out under a campaign called Mera Talab Meri Zimmedari. It is starting with 100 gram panchayats in Azamgarh district, where eco-friendly, plastic-free model ponds will be constructed. The administration believes that once these ponds are ready, they will bring a major improvement in water conservation across villages, while also directly benefiting the surrounding nature and animals. The plan will be carried out in two phases. In the first phase, one pond has been selected in each of the district's 22 blocks, while in the second phase, four ponds will be selected in every block.
Special arrangements to keep the ponds plastic-free
The biggest feature of these model ponds will be that they carry no trace of plastic whatsoever. Filter chambers will be installed in the ponds to maintain cleanliness so that dirt does not accumulate around them. Separate, adequate arrangements will also be made to keep the ponds plastic-free, which will help groundwater recharge work more effectively. Once these ponds are ready, villagers will be able to use them for irrigating fields and as a water source for their livestock.
Bio-filters and plants to keep the water clean
To keep the pond water clean at all times, bio-filter systems will be installed before grey water enters the ponds. In addition, gravel and sand will be used at the end of the drain so that dirty water does not mix directly into the pond. Various useful plants will also be planted around the ponds so that the surrounding environment stays pure and green. The entire effort is aimed at turning these ponds into more than just water bodies, making them a means of improving the village environment itself.
What the official said about the plan
Speaking on the matter, District Panchayati Raj Officer Pawan Kumar said these model ponds are being developed to promote water conservation and greenery in rural areas. He said villagers would benefit directly from this, as the ponds would prove equally useful for irrigating fields and for livestock.
