Haroli’s Dying Ponds Are Getting a Second Chance – And It’s a Game Changer for Water Security
For generations, the ponds of Haroli were more than just water bodies—they were the silent heartbeat of village life. Cattle drank from their edges, children splashed in their shallows, and farmers leaned on them during the scorching summer months. But over time, neglect took over. Silt choked their depths, rainwater runoff carried muck into their beds, and changing weather patterns turned them into forgotten shadows of their former selves.
Until now
Today, these same ponds are stirring back to life. Under a meticulously planned ₹11.75 crore project, the Jal Shakti Department is not just cleaning them up—it is giving them a complete scientific makeover. Ponds at Pubbowal, Dulaihad, and Gondpur Jaichand are leading this quiet revolution, and the goal is far bigger than just storing water. It’s about capturing every precious drop of rain, recharging the parched underground aquifers, improving water quality, and creating a sustainable water future for generations to come.
Not Just a Clean-Up – A Scientific Revival
Walk up to Pubbowal pond today, and you’ll see the transformation firsthand. Heavy machinery is scooping out decades of accumulated silt. Embankments are being strengthened. And beneath the surface, a network of recharge structures is being built to gently push water back into the earth.
But here’s what makes this project truly special: no two ponds are being treated alike.
“We didn’t want to apply a cookie-cutter approach,” explains Naresh Dhiman, Superintending Engineer of Jal Shakti, Una. “Each pond has its own geography, its own catchment area, its own pollution challenges. So we studied each one individually and designed a custom solution for it.”
That means one pond might get a constructed wetland—a natural purification system using plants and biological processes to clean the water. Another might receive an in-situ treatment system or an aeration setup to boost oxygen levels. Cascade structures are also being built to trap silt and solid waste before they even enter the ponds. It’s precision engineering with a gentle, eco-friendly touch.
The Numbers That Matter
The scale of this revival is impressive. According to the feasibility report prepared in February 2025, once completed, these rejuvenated ponds will recharge approximately 58 lakh cubic metres of groundwater every single year.
To put that in perspective, Pubbowal pond alone will contribute about 32 lakh cubic metres annually, while six smaller ponds together will add another 26 lakh cubic metres. The region is also expected to gain an additional 0.90 MLD (million litres per day) of usable water.
Puneet Sharma, Executive Engineer of Jal Shakti, Haroli, shares that work is already in full swing. Around ₹2 crore has been allocated for Pubbowal and ₹1.26 crore for Dulaihad. Several components have already crossed the 90-100 per cent completion mark, while others are progressing steadily.
Why This Matters Right Now
Currently, the area falls in the ‘Safe’ category for groundwater extraction at 62 per cent. That sounds reassuring, but officials aren’t taking any chances. With population swelling, demand rising, and climate change making rainfall patterns increasingly unpredictable, this project is a vital insurance policy for the future.
“This isn’t just about today,” says Rohit Dubey, Chief Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, Hamirpur Zone. “It’s about making sure our children and grandchildren have access to clean water. We are trying to strike a balance between development and nature, and Haroli is showing us how it can be done.”
More Than Just Water
The revival isn’t only about irrigation taps and drinking water. Clean, vibrant ponds mean healthier aquatic biodiversity. They mean greener surroundings, improved local aesthetics, and—if all goes well—a boost to eco-tourism in the area. Imagine a future where these ponds become peaceful picnic spots or nature trails, drawing visitors and supporting local livelihoods.
A Model for the Rest of Himachal
What makes Haroli special is its potential to inspire others. Experts believe that this blend of traditional wisdom and cutting-edge science could become a template for other districts across Himachal Pradesh. It proves that when you respect the land and use technology thoughtfully, conservation doesn’t have to be a sacrifice—it can be an opportunity.
At a Glance
· Project outlay: ₹11.75 crore
· Annual groundwater recharge: 58 lakh cubic metres
· Pubbowal pond capacity: 32 lakh cubic metres/year
· Six small ponds combined capacity: 26 lakh cubic metres/year
· Current groundwater extraction: 62% (Safe category)
What Sets This Apart
· Custom scientific plan for each pond
· Use of modern tech like constructed wetlands, aeration, and in-situ treatment
· Focus on both water quality and quantity
· Boost to biodiversity, local beauty, and eco-tourism
· A replicable model for the entire state
The ponds of Haroli once whispered stories of a bygone era. Now, they are humming with new life—and carrying the hopes of a water-secure tomorrow.
