Haroli’s Heartbeat: Ancient Ponds Breathe Again, Bringing Life and Hope
In the heart of Haroli, a quiet but profound revolution is taking place. The region’s ancient ponds—known locally as tobos—once the lifeblood of village communities, had fallen silent and neglected. Today, they are being lovingly revived, transforming from forgotten water bodies into vibrant, multipurpose lakes. With an investment of around ₹20 crores, this initiative is more than infrastructure; it’s a homecoming—a return to wisdom that honors both heritage and the future.
Whispering Waters Remembered
For generations, these tobos were more than just ponds. They were community treasures—capturing rainwater, quenching the thirst of cattle, sustaining small farms, and nurturing local biodiversity. But as life modernized, many were left to silt over, their purpose fading from memory.
Now, under the leadership of Haroli MLA and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, these water bodies are being given a second life. “This revival is not just a development project,” Agnihotri reflects. “It is a pledge to preserve our rich cultural heritage and natural resources. These tobos will be the strongest foundation for water security in the times to come.”
From Neglect to Nurturance
The transformation is both thoughtful and holistic. Using modern techniques for desilting and recharge, the tobos are being re-watered and reimagined. Walking paths now circle their edges, native greenery is being planted, and efforts are underway to make them hubs of beauty and community life.
Puneet Sharma, an engineer with the Water Power Department in Haroli, explains the collaborative spirit behind the work: “We are working through the joint convergence of the Water Power, Forest, and Public Works Departments. It’s not just about water conservation—it’s about beautification, rural drainage, and creating spaces that uplift the spirit.”
The benefits ripple outward. These rejuvenated lakes are becoming catalysts for groundwater recharge, biodiversity, and even rural tourism—offering potential new income for panchayats while restoring ecological balance.
A Living Legacy
What makes Haroli’s story special is its continuity. Efforts to restore these ponds began during Agnihotri’s first term as MLA and have now gained momentum and scale. In a time when many parts of the country face deepening water crises, Haroli is crafting a sustainable, replicable model of hope—one that draws from the past to secure the future.
As the tobos fill again, they do more than hold water. They hold memories, promise, and a powerful lesson: that sometimes, the way forward begins by listening to the whispers of the past.
