Nagarmunolli Lake Project
Restoring Nagarmunolli Lake for Agricultural Resilience
Introduction
The Nagarmunolli Lake project is a testament to our commitment to rural empowerment. In Chickodi taluka, water is the lifeblood of the agrarian economy, yet many traditional water bodies have fallen into disrepair. Our intervention at Nagarmunolli focused on restoring a massive catchment area that had been choked by silt for decades. By reviving this lake, Pyaas Foundation has not only provided drinking water but has also secured the livelihoods of hundreds of farming families who depend on irrigation and healthy groundwater tables.
About
This project involved the large-scale desilting and bund-strengthening of the Nagarmunolli water body. It represents one of our larger geographical interventions, aimed at creating a regional impact on the water table.
Problem
The agricultural community in Nagarmunolli faced consistent crop failures due to the drying up of local wells. The primary lake had lost its storage capacity, meaning monsoon runoff would simply flow away rather than percolating into the ground.
Our Solution
We employed a systematic de-silting process, removing accumulated topsoil which was then distributed to local farmers to enrich their fields (as the silt is nutrient-rich). We also constructed stone-pitched bunds to prevent future erosion and ensure the structural integrity of the lake.
Impact / Result
- Agricultural Stability: Farmers reported a 30% increase in crop yield due to improved soil moisture and well-water availability.
- Ecosystem Recovery: The return of local bird species to the rejuvenated wetland area.
- Community Pride: The lake has once again become a focal point for the village community.