Responding to the escalating temperature and water scarcity in regions around the Western Ghats, the National Environment Care Federation (NECF) in Mangaluru has launched an initiative to construct artificial ponds near forest fringe areas. Shashidhar Shetty, the general secretary of NECF, informed TOI that the organization had previously undertaken similar efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic and is now gearing up to revive these projects.
In the past, NECF successfully constructed about three such ponds using a cost-effective and practical technique involving one concrete ring and a concrete bed, with each project estimated to cost around Rs 10,000. Shetty emphasized the importance of community involvement, citing the shared water sources with areca plantations.
Currently, Shetty and his team are scouting potential sites for new ponds and plan to seek approval from the forest department before proceeding with construction in areas adjacent to forests. Stressing on community support, Shetty highlighted the significance of these artificial ponds in creating micro-ecosystems that support wildlife and contribute to biodiversity conservation.
These ponds serve as breeding grounds for various species, promoting ecological harmony and contributing to the well-being of forest-dwelling animals. NECF’s initiative aims to alleviate water scarcity while fostering environmental sustainability in the landscape surrounding the Western Ghats.
