What was once a forgotten, silt-covered patch of land in Bengaluru has transformed back into a thriving pond thanks to the determination of Gurunandan Rao. With months of patient preparation and just a single day of excavation, the pond now holds twice as much water and welcomes returning wildlife.
- Seven months of groundwork made the swift restoration possible
- Pond now holds double the water, supporting local wildlife
- Part of an ongoing effort with 11,000 volunteers reviving Karnataka’s water bodies
What happened
When Gurunandan Rao first visited Bikkanahalli Kunte, the pond there had long dried up, its surface buried under thick layers of silt and waste. Encroachments had taken over the land, and years of neglect erased the pond’s role as a vital water body. Despite doubts from others, Gurunandan saw an opportunity to restore the pond and began a careful, patient process.
For nearly seven months, he worked behind the scenes to secure permissions, negotiate with local officials, and remove encroachments. Only after these critical steps could physical restoration begin. At 2 a.m., Gurunandan and his team started digging, clearing out silt and waste in the quiet hours. Within 24 hours, the pond’s original shape was revealed and restoration was complete.
Why it feels good
A few days after the excavation, rain filled the pond for the first time in years, bringing the area back to life. Birds like kingfishers and herons returned, along with other species that had long avoided the dry site. The pond’s capacity is now twice what it was before, restoring its natural water storage function and supporting improved biodiversity.
Gurunandan’s work is part of a larger volunteer-driven movement called HandsOn, which has revived 34 lakes and ponds over the past eight years with the help of more than 11,000 volunteers. This project highlights how community effort and persistence can turn neglected spaces into thriving habitats.
What to enjoy or watch next
Looking ahead, the team envisions a flourishing environment around the pond filled with native, flowering, and fruit-bearing trees that will further enhance local biodiversity. This restoration is not just about water but about creating a healthy ecosystem that benefits people and wildlife alike.
For those inspired by Gurunandan’s success, opportunities exist to join similar restoration projects across Karnataka or to start initiatives in their own communities. Watching these efforts multiply offers a hopeful glimpse into how grassroots action can shape a greener future.