Govt should clean ponds to restore their pristine glory

Village ponds are not only a legacy of our rich past,but are also associated with our rural culture.

Village ponds are not only a legacy of our rich past,but are also associated with our rural culture. It is a symbol of our forefathers wisdom to collect water near the village to serve as a buffer pool to enable them to satiate the thirst of their cattle when facilities for canal water,water taps or hand pumps were not available. Wells cannot alone cater to the needs of an entire village.

Now,however,the pond scenario has undergone a complete change. They are drying up fast and shrinking due to the reckless apathy of villagers.

Amid muck and algae cover,bushes and weeds grow in abundance all around the water source.

In contrast to the previous scenario,villagers keep their livestock away from ponds fearing they might get stuck in the marsh.

Polythene bags and tin cans choke the once-upon-a-time healthy pond and play havoc with the health of not only animals but also residents.

To restore its pristine glory,the government should clean the pond and make them deeper with the help of village panchayats.

If need be,the pond should be replenished with fresh water from pumps as the natural source no longer exists in many cases.

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The expenditure involved can be met with from the rural development funds which the government has allocated under various scheme heads.

A systematic work of landscaping should be undertaken by planting ornamental flowers,plants and trees on the edges which may also prove to be an invitation for birds which come to quench their thirst in the pond.

Proper cleaning will also keep at bay the dreaded mosquitoes and other insects which may reduce the incidence of diseases in villages.

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