VARANASI, July 2, 2013: Collective efforts by a group of individuals have brought a welcome change in the landscape of the holy city of Varanasi that once had abundant water bodies like ponds and pools or kunds.

These kunds, considered as sacred precincts, served as waters for ritual bathing in a religious city. In past few decades, these water bodies have been vanishing with some being completely depleted and encroached upon by vested interests. The basins that were once lakes have become parks and the running streams have become streets. But through laudable endeavour of a bunch of people, more than 12 such water bodies have been restored.

Varanasi Nagarik Samaj (VNS) is a group of a few dedicated people who believe in setting an example by doing not preaching. Lalit Malviya, a government employee and founder member of VNS, has been instrumental in mobilising public support for the cause of restoring kunds. He is supported by PL Vijay, Vijay Chaurasiya, Amit Singh and others in the task. The group works since early in the morning, with every member cleaning the waters. "I was motivated by a letter by a Sikh pilgrim from Moradabad, who was saddened to see pathetic condition of water bodies in Kashi. Some of my friends decided to devote our time for morning walk for the cause of cleaning the kunds, thinking that it will help in improving our health, society and religion. We started with the task of reviving Karnaghanta Kund in 2003 and were surprised to see that many locals of that area joined us happily. It was a classic case of mutual motivation and within a few months, we were able to clean up the mess in and around the Karnaghanta Kund. Since then, more than six water bodies have been cleaned and restored with the help of local participation. Even the administrative authorities have been helping us," Malviya said.

VNS has been the force behind cleaning and restoration of Karnaghanta Kund, Pishachmochan Kund, Maatri Kund, Suraj Kund, Pushkar Kund, Aanjaneya Kund and Shankuldhara Kund. The uniqueness of the group lies in the fact that anybody can join hands for the cause, no matter which caste, creed or religion he belongs to. Acche Miyan area is heading the drive to clean Pitra Kund in Jagatganj. He said: ''This is a noble cause as this is what we are going to leave for our generations to come. I am happy that I can contribute for a purpose like this."

Another exceptional example is work done by the residents of Srinagar Colony who have transformed a dying pond into a water reservoir in the form of Ram Kund. KK Sharma, who lives in the colony, played a vital role in the task. He said: ''We realised that it will be too late if we don't start immediately to save this historical water body which has been mentioned in religious texts about Kashi. I got support from colony and then from the administration. Today, Ram Kund is on the tourist map of Varanasi. People come from far off areas to visit the kund in the evening." The residents of the colony have released ducks and other water birds in the Kund through pooling the money. These birds are a major attraction for the kids.

One such individual, who is already an inspiration for many youth working for the cause of saving the water bodies in the city, is an octogenarian Surendra Gaud. He had filed two public interest litigations in relation to the illegal encroachments on numerous water bodies by land sharks and even some administrative agencies. ''At this age, I have nothing to lose and have dedicated whatever time is left of my life for the cause of restoration of water bodies. As per directives of the Supreme Court, nature of those water bodies that are registered in revenue records of 1952 cannot be altered. But even the SC direction has been violated by several vested interests. I will be happy to fight against these till I breath my last,'' he said.

These laudable efforts have brought positive changes in water table of the areas and help in recharging the underground water. Residents of such areas say that water which once reached as low as 200 feet, is now 70 feet.

Source: The Times of India, DT. July 2, 2013.