A Forgotten Pond, A Community’s Need
In Regula village, near Chintalaveedhi in Andhra Pradesh’s Chintapalle Mandal, lies a 60-year-old pond—once the lifeline of the Kond community residing there. Over time, the pond dried up, and wild grass slowly took over its bed, making it unusable for both daily needs and agriculture.
From Concern to Collective Action
When a local villager voiced the concern, it sparked a community conversation facilitated by Goonj. What followed was a collective decision—to restore the pond through community effort under Goonj’s Cloth for Work (CFW) initiative.
Villagers came together to:
- Clear thick overgrowth inside and around the pond
- Re-channel water flow to ensure revival
- Create a nursery beside the pond, both to replenish local biodiversity and to create a natural buffer against animal intrusion
Two Lives, One Water Source
The restoration was envisioned not just for the villagers, but also for the wildlife in the surrounding forest—for whom the pond served as a crucial water source. The revived pond now supports both community life and the local ecosystem.
Villagers clearing the pond under Cloth For Work
Recognition Rooted in Dignity
Post completion, Goonj rewarded the community’s participation through Cloth For Work kits, recognizing their efforts with everyday essentials that enable them to meet household needs. It wasn’t a reward—but a gesture of solidarity for a people-led solution.
A Pond Revived, A Community Reconnected
This revival isn’t just about restoring water. It reflects the power of collective resolve, of communities coming together to solve problems with their own hands and will. Regula’s story is a living example of how dignity-led action restores not only landscapes—but hope.
Picture of the Pond After Cleaning
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
