Construction of a new pond under way near Pollachi as part of efforts to conserve rainwater and recharge groundwater in Coimbatore district.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) has stepped up efforts to create 140 ponds across rural Coimbatore, 16 new ponds and 124 smaller ones, with a target of conserving 60 crore litres of rainwater to replenish groundwater reserves amid concerns over rainfall deficit.
The initiative aims to maximise rainwater storage during the northeast monsoon. Workers under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin), (VB–G RAM G) are being engaged in excavation and restoration works across the district.
Annur accounts for the highest number of the 124 smaller ponds planned across 12 blocks, with 34, followed by Kinathukadavu with 17. Sulur and Sultanpet account for 13 and 12 ponds, respectively. Karamadai has 12, while Thondamuthur and Periyanaickenpalayam have nine each.
Of the 16 new ponds planned, five are being created in Anaimalai, Pollachi South and Sultanpet blocks at a combined cost of ₹43.3 lakh. Two ponds each are planned in Anaimalai and Pollachi South, and one in Sultanpet. Eleven low-lying sites on grazing poramboke land have also been identified for excavation to create additional water storage.
The programme also covers the restoration of existing ponds and the creation of smaller ponds within them. The agency has identified 37 locations, including parks and existing waterbodies, where small ponds can be deepened and strengthened. Desilting work, including the removal of vegetation and accumulated waste obstructing water inlets, is under way at 231 locations.
Officials said a total of 408 waterbodies had been identified for restoration under the initiative. At least 25 workers would be deployed daily in each block to expedite the work.
Waterbodies restored using government funds could be renovated once every five years, while those maintained with private funding, including corporate social responsibility contributions, could be restored once every three years, the officials said. The works are expected to be completed soon.
Published – October 12, 2026 07:27 pm IST
