Pimpri Chinchwad in Maharashtra is blessed with a rich cultural legacy and history. The city is the birthplace of several liberation warriors, including Halbe and Chaphekar. Pimpri Chinchwad is known for being an industrial township and hosts a large number of domestic and international automobile companies. 

The Ranmala Pond sprawls around 4 acres and is located in the Koyali village of Pimpri-Chinchwad. Situated in close proximity to the Bhima River, the pond is a freshwater ecosystem that supplies water to the nearby agrarian communities. This water body is essential to the local environment since it serves as a haven for a variety of plant and animal species. Unfortunately, the pond was in a dilapidated state due to years of improper maintenance and silt deposition.

E.F.I’s Intervention

Environmentalist Foundation of India (E.F.I.) took on the work of revitalizing the Ranmala Pond in an effort to bring it back to its former splendor. 

येथे या ब्लॉगमध्ये, E.F.I, कोयाली गावातील रानमाळा तलावाच्या जीर्णोद्धाराची प्रक्रिया सामायिक करते. आणि ते पुन्हा मूळ स्थितीत आणण्यात येणारी आव्हाने. आम्ही हे कसे साध्य केले ते पहा.

During the scientific restoration process, E.F.I has made a series of activities to revive the Ranmala Pond. Firstly, we began by removing 3 acres of invasive weed species such as water hyacinth that had taken over nearly 80% of the pond’s surface. The removed weeds were dumped into the base of the islands, which will eventually decompose and help in the growth of plants. This effort by E.F.I has drastically improved water quality and promoted the growth of native vegetation.

The pond had accumulated approximately 4834 cubic meters of silt. As part of the restoration process, we have desilted half of the pond bed to an average depth of 1.5 feet. The excavated material was subsequently utilized to reinforce the pond’s embankments, which significantly enhanced the lake’s stability. 

The pre-existing embankment, with a height of two meters and a water outlet positioned at one meter, constrained the pond’s water retention capacity. To rectify this, we have elevated the embankment by one meter, and the water outlet was lowered by two feet from the height of the embankment. The excavated silt was repurposed to reinforce the existing embankments.

Additionally, a new embankment was constructed on the western side, restoring the pond to its condition approximately ten years prior. These measures are intended to reduce the risk of flooding and improve the structural integrity of the water body.  

Further efforts to construct four nesting islands were made to improve the habitat. These islands serve as important nesting sites for avian species and support local fauna. The nesting islands are beneficial in preserving the pond’s ecological equilibrium and provide a safe refuge for a diverse array of organisms. 

After Restoration

Post restoration, the pond’s water-holding capacity has increased and a more conducive habitat for aquatic organisms has been established. With a rich biodiversity, the Ranmala Pond serves as a significant aquatic ecosystem that attracts a diverse range of species from aviary to territorial. 

Watch this space for more lake restoration stories and stay tuned.

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