The magnificent slopes of the Brahmagiri Mountain, source of the River Godavari, harbors more than 108
kunds (tanks or ponds) which play a vital role in recharging the subterranean streams that feed the river. Most of these ancient
kunds are associated with temples while others were used as public utilities. However, they are in various stages of disrepair and disuse.
Inauguration
On 3 Oct 2023, Sri M and Dr. Rajendra Singh launched the rejuvenation program of the
kunds by offering a ceremonial
puja at the Gangasagar Lake in Trimbak, marking a formal beginning of this work which will be implemented in regular phases until 2027.
Restoration Efforts
The Aviral Godavari team comprising hydrological, topographical, and civil engineering experts has carried out a detailed analysis of 26 of these crucial ponds and identified the restoration of each one of them using indigenous techniques, thus respecting the heritage value of the kunds, and tapping into the ancient socio-cultural and scientific wisdom embedded in these techniques.
Impact of Restoration
Once these
kunds are rejuvenated, they will provide water not only to the human settlements on the Brahmagiri Mountain for domestic and horticultural uses, but also make plentiful water available to the flora and the fauna that forms this delicate ecosystem.
