The Chunni Kalan Pond located in a village in Punjab is a Northwest to Southeast draining axis rural pond. A pond that has changed over time with its foreshore and offshore area undergoing rapid civic development. The water characteristics have also changed over the years owing to the inflowing nutrient load from the village.

In a collaborative conservation effort between the Government of Punjab, Godrej & Boyce Co. Ltd, and E.F.I, the Chunni Kalan Pond was taken up for restoration.

Desilting of the Pond

Upon complete drying of pond, its lakebed was desilting to an average depth of 3 feet, to increase the storage capacity of the pond and to level the undulated contour of the lakebed.

Bund Formation and Strengthening

The excess silt was later used to create embankments on all sides of the pond. This helps in providing a definitive boundary to the pond and also helps in storage of water.

Regulation of Sewage Inlet

To prevent the sewage of the village from entering the pond, a bypass channel was excavated and connected to the existing drainage. Now the pond will receive only rainwater and clean water will be ensured with the least impurities.

Construction of Dual Embankment

A two-step bund was established at the site to improve the pond’s flood resilience and increase its storage capacity.

Sedimentary and Recharge Well

A sedimentary and recharge well were excavated at the pond to help purify water and increase its groundwater recharge rate. The wells have an average depth of 6 feet.

Nesting Islands

A total of 2 islands- Dump Island and G-island were created on the southern boundary of the pond. These islands will be able to provide independent, undisturbed nesting grounds for birds and amphibians.

Protective Fencing

To ensure safety of pond from further human intervention and to provide a definitive boundary to the pond, protective fencing was installed along its periphery for a length of 400 meters.

The Pond today with all its new features is ready to host various lifeforms in it. We thank our partners, local residents, volunteers and well-wishers for supporting this restoration.