The Noida officials are planning to rejuvenate around 244 dead ponds around the city within the next year in order to level up the groundwater table of Noida.
Yesterday, the concerned authority has issued a tender to hire contractors that will revive the 129 ponds, the process of hiring is already underway.
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“Our target is to rejuvenate 244 ponds in different villages within a year so that these ponds not only become the catalyst to recharge groundwater but also beautify the villages. We will revive the ponds, plant trees around them and make footpaths,” said Salil Yadav, chief engineer of the Greater Noida authority.
The decision was taken after the Uttar Pradesh government instructed the top officials to start the process of cleaning and re-establishing the ponds to check the groundwater in the area. At the initial stage, 2m of the hole will be dug up in every pond in order to have a proper drainage system around its border, along with making a walking path. It will also be connected to the stormwater drains so that the during the rainy season, the water will flow in it. Plus, beautiful ponds will give a new look and aesthetics to the city.
“We will plant ornamental and medicinal plants around ponds. We have also decided to put bamboo sticks or nets in the drains to block waste, such as plastic. If the village residents support us, then these ponds can give a new identity to each village,” said Yadav.
“The authority must carry out a drive to free the ponds, which have been encroached upon by land mafia. Then, it should engage local residents or social activist in the process of reviving the pond to make a long-term impact on ecology,” said Akash Vashishtha, an environmental lawyer.
