Restoration and Management of Community Water Bodies
A water resource (fish pond) at Kolunji farm.
This initiative is something we work with to facilitate the restoration and management of water bodies or farm ponds for communities to use for multiple purposes. Kudumbam starts with arranging meetings in a village to sensitize individuals about the importance of community water bodies and also mapping the local area. Within the initiative we also introduce methods and techniques for low water usage. We also sensitize the communities to pressurize the State to deepen the water bodies during the summer season with the objective of increasing the water holding capacities and use the tank silt in agriculture fields to enhance the soil moisture. Silty soil is usually more fertile than other types of soil, meaning it is good for growing crops. Silt promotes water retention and air circulation. In the near surroundings of a tank pond several fruit trees are planted. The intention is that children can benefit by being able to pick fresh fruit in the local communities. Kudumbam has focused on the restoration of community water bodies for the past 40 years. This activity is also included in the Kolunji farms training for establishing sustainable water usage for organic farming. The establishment of community water places lead to local inhabitants having the opportunity to use tank water, especially for resource poor farmers who can not access groundwater. The water can additionally be used as drinking water for cattle.