Myagdi: Six recharge ponds have been constructed in different community forests in Myagdi district this year to help preserve water sources in the high hilly areas.

The recharge ponds were built by community forest users’ groups with support from the Divisional Forest Office, Myagdi.

Divisional Forest Officer Basanta Keshav Adhikari said the ponds are expected to play an important role in controlling forest fires during the dry season, recharging water sources and reducing human-wildlife conflict through better water management.

Forest Officer Shanti Kumari Shahi said the recharge ponds would help keep wildlife inside the forests by providing water, reducing their movement into human settlements in search of water and food. She added that the ponds would also help maintain soil moisture and serve as a water source for controlling forest fires.

She said the Office has been constructing recharge ponds continuously for the past four years, adding that the initiative has already helped reduce human-wildlife conflict by ensuring water is available near wildlife habitats.

This year, recharge ponds were constructed at Simpakho of Beni Municipality-5, Dahapatal of Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-3, Baranja Bhotekhola of Mangala Rural Municipality-3, Thadakhani-Kalo Salleri of Raghuganga Rural Municipality-6, Sano Dhaireni of Malika Rural Municipality-6 and Dana of Annapurna Rural Municipality-3.

According to the Divisional Forest Office, each pond has a storage capacity of 61,000 litres of water, and Rs 100,000 in grant assistance was provided to each community forest for its construction.

The Office said it has constructed 31 recharge ponds in community forests across Myagdi since the fiscal year 2078/79 BS.

With water sources gradually drying up in the hilly region, many settlements have been facing an increasing shortage of drinking water. Officials believe the recharge ponds will not only provide water for wildlife but also help conserve forests and protect natural water sources.

The initiative is also expected to reduce human-wildlife conflict, as wild animals such as deer, monkeys and leopards have caused increasing damage to crops and livestock in Myagdi in recent years.

Published Time: 08:08 AM