Varanasi: In a significant step toward water conservation and environmental restoration, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation has cleared encroachments from a centuries-old pond spread across approximately two-and-a-half bighas in Churawanpur. The action marks a major push by civic authorities to reclaim and revive traditional water bodies in the holy city of Varanasi.
According to officials, a substantial portion of the historic pond had been illegally occupied, diminishing its original structure and water retention capacity. Acting on complaints, a joint team of the municipal corporation and the revenue department conducted an on-site measurement and demarcation exercise. Following the official survey, unauthorized constructions and temporary structures were demolished, and the entire pond area was brought back under municipal control.
Civic authorities confirmed that after completing the legal boundary verification process, strict measures have been put in place to prevent any further private encroachment or activity on the reclaimed land. The drive was carried out under tight supervision to ensure full compliance with land records and environmental guidelines.
Soon after reclaiming the site, the municipal corporation initiated cleaning, restoration and beautification work. Teams have begun removing accumulated garbage, debris and overgrown vegetation from the pond area. In the coming weeks, plans include deepening the pond to enhance water storage capacity, strengthening embankments and developing green spaces around the perimeter to restore it to its original ecological significance.
Officials emphasized that conserving traditional water sources such as ponds and wells remains a top civic priority. Such water bodies play a crucial role in maintaining groundwater levels, supporting local ecosystems and improving environmental balance. Reviving ponds also promotes rainwater harvesting and can significantly mitigate urban water scarcity.
The municipal corporation has stated that similar identification and anti-encroachment drives will continue for other ponds and water bodies across the city. Restoration and beautification efforts will be undertaken to ensure long-term preservation of these natural assets for future generations.
Local residents have welcomed the move, describing it as a vital initiative toward water security and environmental sustainability. Authorities reiterated their commitment to making Varanasi more water-resilient and ecologically robust through systematic protection and rejuvenation of its traditional water resources.
