Farm pond drive gains pace in Telangana: 4,348 sites identified, 33% of target met

Construction of farm ponds through women self-help groups (SHGs) under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB G RAM G) has gained momentum in Telangana, with 4,348 works identified as of July 30. This represents 33% of the target of 13,046 farm ponds planned under the Village Organisation (VO) component of the programme.

The initiative, also known as Telangana Jalasiri, aims to construct two farm ponds for each of the State's 6,523 A-grade Village Organisations, bringing the total target under the VO component to 13,046. Nearly 9,930 wage seekers are currently engaged in the identified works. However, officials noted that no farm pond has been completed so far, as the programme is still in its initial stage.

District-wise progress shows Adilabad emerging as the frontrunner, having identified sites for all 180 farm ponds against its target, achieving 100% progress. Medak has identified 200 works against a target of 222 (90%), followed by Mahabubnagar, which identified 228 works against a target of 268 (85%). Mancherial (72%) and Narayanpet (63%) have also recorded significant progress.

In addition to the VO-based initiative, the government has set a target of constructing 50,000 farm ponds across all Gram Panchayats. So far, 3,173 works have been grounded, generating employment for 12,619 wage seekers. Jayashankar Bhupalpally reported the highest number of grounded works at 363, followed by Nirmal with 302.

Reviewing the progress, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka called upon SHG members and Gram Panchayat staff to work in close coordination to expedite construction of the farm ponds. “Members of SHGs and Gram Panchayat staff should work in coordination to complete the construction of farm ponds at the earliest,” she said.

The accelerated execution of the programme assumes significance against the backdrop of concerns over the likely impact of El Nino during the current monsoon season. Recently, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao described the weather phenomenon as a natural calamity of an unprecedented scale and warned that it could severely affect the State during August, September and October, underscoring the need to strengthen water conservation measures.

Farm ponds are small water harvesting structures that help in irrigation, groundwater recharge, and providing drinking water for livestock, especially in rain-fed areas. The participation of women SHGs in their construction not only ensures water security but also provides rural employment, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable development and poverty alleviation.