POND REJUVENATION
Importance of Ponds: Ponds play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) by providing ecosystem services like flood control, nutrient retention, and carbon sequestration.
Challenges: Unfortunately, ponds are often undervalued compared to larger water bodies. They face mounting pressures from urban expansion and agricultural intensification, leading to degradation.
Holistic Approach: A paper titled “Current Status of Ponds in India: A Framework for Restoration, Policies, and Circular Economy” examines legal challenges, anthropogenic pressures, and environmental changes affecting Indian ponds.
Restoration Strategies: Worldwide restoration strategies were reviewed, proposing a framework that includes:
Policies and Incentives
Technologies:
Such as environmental-DNA (e-DNA) and life cycle assessment (LCA)
Ecohydrological Measures
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS): These offer sustainable and cost-effective ways to restore natural pond processes.
Legislative Reforms:
Recommendations include:
Uniform Classification System: Applicable to all water bodies, including small ponds, for better administration and monitoring.
National Pond Database: To facilitate objective policymaking and intervention.
Integration with Development Plans: Coordinated efforts at the local level.
Guide for Landowners:
The “Guide to the Restoration, Creation, and Management of Ponds: Bringing Ponds Back to Life” provides evidence-based insights. It emphasizes creating and restoring small water bodies to benefit wildlife.
Written by experts from Freshwater Habitats Trust and UCL’s Pond Restoration Research Group, this guide empowers landowners to make a positive impact on biodiversity.
Lake/Pond Restoration by Ramveer Tanvar:
Ramveer Tanvar, popularly known as the Pond Man of India, shares leadership insights in the PPP model of pond rejuvenation.
His approach focuses on community involvement and sustainable practices.
