The city of Pimpri-Chinchwad is situated 15 kilometers away from Pune, Maharashtra. Pimpri-Chinchwad is located north to the meeting point of the Mula and Mutha rivers. The Pawana River flows through the center of the city, while the Indrayani River forms a part of its northern boundary. However, due to the release of industrial effluents and domestic pollution, these rivers have been highly polluted.

पाणी सर्व प्रकारच्या जीवनासाठी आवश्यक आहे. E.F.I मध्ये, आम्ही भारताचे जलस्रोत पुनर्संचयित करतो आणि यावेळी, आम्ही पिंपरी-चिंचवडमधील पाझर तलाव पुनर्संचयित करत आहोत. ही प्रेरणादायी कथा पहा.

Often referred to as the “Industrial Township”, Pimpri-Chinchwad is home to industrial units with over 4,000 large, medium, and small-scale sectors, including numerous multinational corporations. Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad together make up the second-largest industrial city in Maharashtra after Mumbai. 

Despite its industrial expansion, Pimpri-Chinchwad boasts of a 22-acre Pazhar Lake. Surrounded by hills in three directions, this lake enjoys water inflow from five major inlets. The lake was once a serene water body that played a vital role in recharging groundwater in the region. Over time, the lake’s ecological balance was disrupted. This was mainly due to heavy siltation, rampant proliferation of invasive weeds, and the deterioration of its embankments and water channels.

In an attempt to revive the Pazhar Lake, E.F.I took a series of restoration activities to bring it back to its original state. 

The Pazhar Lake was fully covered with invasive weed species such as Prosopis juliflora. Firstly, E.F.I’s efforts involved clearing approximately two acres of invasive weed species from the lake. The collected green waste was then placed in the shape of island, which will eventually decompose, assisting in plant growth. The deweeding process has effectively mitigated the rampant growth of invasive vegetation that was deteriorating the lake’s ecological balance and water quality. 

The lake had accumulated a significant amount of silt over a decade. As part of the restoration process, approximately 3.5 acres of the lake bed was desilted to an average depth of three feet. The extracted silt was repurposed to strengthen the lake’s embankment, thereby enhancing its structural integrity. These interventions have increased the lake’s water storage capacity, improved water quality and groundwater recharge. 

To rectify the lake’s compromised bunds, efforts were made to construct, strengthen, and reshape a total of 1,050 meters of bunds. A new 320-meter bund, reaching a height of 12 feet, was constructed, while the existing 750 meters of bunds were strengthened. To enhance the ecological value of the area, the northern 250-meter embankment was transformed into a dense plantation area, featuring a diverse range of trees and shrubs. These structural improvements have substantially increased the lake’s water-holding capacity and overall stability. 

The construction of two nesting islands within Pazhar Lake was made in an effort to enhance local biodiversity. By providing secure nesting grounds for birds and other wildlife, these islands offer secluded habitats that are shielded from human interference. 

Check out the below video to see the vivid transformation of the Pazhar Lake:

Future plans for the Pazhar Lake entail native tree plantation to improve biodiversity across the region. And fencing around the lake’s periphery to provide a definitive boundary and prevent illegal encroachments. 

With E.F.I’s intervention, the removal of invasive weeds has allowed the lake to rejuvenate. The newly constructed elevated embankments now retain water more effectively, thereby enhancing groundwater recharge in the surrounding area. These efforts by E.F.I have played a crucial role in maintaining the lake’s ecological equilibrium. Today, the Pazhar Lake has been transformed into a reliable water source for the agrarian community. Furthermore, the lake has emerged as a thriving ecological hub, supporting a diverse array of local plant and animal life. 

Look at the vivid transformation of Pazhar Lake from silt to serenity:

Check out this video on a well brimming with fresh water next to E.F.I restored Pazhar Lake.

Volunteer for India and her Environment with E.F.I