Revived Pakshikere pond to open after monsoon

Mangaluru

 What was once a forgotten pond buried under mounds of construction debris is now a rejuvenated waterbody, due to the efforts of Paper Seed, a social enterprise. The restored pond, located in Pakshikere, is expected to be opened to the public after   monsoon.
Nithin Vas, founder of Paper Seed, told that   project took root nearly two years ago, inspired by Hejje, a four-day environmental awareness walk held in 2023.  During the walk, people asked, where the waterbodies in this region are.  That question sparked a journey to identify and revive them, he said.
That was when the team discovered historic Katipalla pond, once a vital source of water for community. It is the only pond in the area with a natural spring.  The water from the pond was once used for washing clothes and even construction work. Over time, it turned into a dumping site for debris, Nithin recalled.
Situated on government land, was carefully restored with a focus on sustainability. To prevent silt from entering the main pond during rains, a secondary catchment pond was created.  We designed stone steps to filter runoff water before it enters the main pond, he explained.

The project includes fencing, an entrance pathway, and a scenic walkway. An amphitheatre was also constructed to engage children and visitors, with a focus on environmental education. Over 250 native saplings, including medicinal plants, were planted around the site.
Supported by MCF through CSR funds, the project was completed seven months ago. However, public access has been delayed to allow the newly planted trees to take root.
 Our message is simple. Development does not always mean new construction. By restoring what we already have, we can revive tourism, create awareness, and spark local economic activity, Nithin said.