Chandla Dungerwas Pond

Pond Restoration Story

Background

A cherished pond facing years of neglect and pollution

Chandla Dungerwas Pond, once a pristine haven for local wildlife and a cherished spot for the community, has faced years of neglect and pollution. Rapid urbanization and improper waste management have led to severe degradation, threatening its ecological balance and reducing its utility for the local population.

Improper waste management practices have led to the pond being filled with solid waste, construction debris, and sewage, resulting in severe pollution and eutrophication. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the community, alongside environmental advocates and local authorities, has embarked on a comprehensive restoration and rejuvenation project.

This initiative aims to revive Chandla Dungerwas Pond, restoring its ecological health and transforming it back into a thriving natural oasis and a valuable resource for the community.

Aerial drone view — severely degraded state before restoration began

Location & Site Details

Project Area

Chandla Dungerwas, Manesar Tehsil, Gurugram District

Chandla Dungerwas, a quaint village in the Manesar Tehsil of Pataudi Block, Gurugram district, has been chosen for the restoration and rejuvenation of its central pond. Nestled in the heart of the village, the Chandla Dungerwas Pond is located at 28°17'44.1"N latitude and 76°53'53.0"E longitude. Spanning approximately 1.07 acres, as demarcated on satellite imagery, this pond is a vital feature of the village landscape.

Situated 25.2 km from the District headquarters, Chandla Dungerwas is well-connected by the Kundi-Manesar-Palwal Expressway, which lies a mere 200 meters away. This small yet vibrant village, with a population of around 700+ people, relies on the pond for both ecological balance and community activities.

High-altitude aerial view — Chandla Dungerwas village, Gurugram district

Why Intervention Was Urgent

Need for Project

Severe pollution and a groundwater crisis demanding urgent action

During the initial visit to Chandla Dungerwas Pond, it was evident that rainwater and wastewater from adjacent houses flow directly into the pond. Currently filled with solid waste, construction debris, and sewage, the pond suffers from severe pollution and eutrophication. The surrounding rural area contributes to agricultural runoff during the monsoon, further degrading water quality.

With groundwater levels at 42.05 meters below ground, the pond's condition poses significant environmental challenges. The presence of aquatic weeds, high nutrient levels, and organic waste necessitates immediate treatment to restore ecological balance.

The continuous dumping of waste and encroachment around the pond's periphery exacerbate the situation, leading to deteriorating water and soil quality.

Cattle wading through algae-covered, sewage-contaminated water

Goals of the Initiative

Aims & Objectives

Conserve, revitalize and reconnect the community with water

The primary aim of the project is to conserve Chandla Dungerwas Pond to prevent further degradation and ensure its sustainable use for the benefit of local communities. This includes transforming the pond into a recreational space and developing open green areas that provide diverse habitats for flora and fauna.

Revitalize the degraded pond to recharge the local aquifers effectively.
Mitigate pond pollution by managing wastewater discharge and preventing solid waste dumping.
Preserve and enhance the local biodiversity within and around the pond.
Cultivate the surrounding areas with flowering plants, medicinal plants, shrubs, and climbers.
Enhance the natural beauty and provide a green space that enriches the spiritual, aesthetic, and social life of the villagers.

Canna plants in the WWTP bed — part of the ecological restoration

Engineering & Ecology

Technical Interventions

A four-step engineering and ecological restoration plan

Chandla Dungerwas Pond faces significant challenges due to agricultural runoff during the monsoon season and wastewater from the surrounding catchment area. To address these issues and restore the pond, the following technical interventions have been planned:

Ground-level restoration tools and equipment deployed at the site

Step 01

Cleaning of the Pond

Thorough cleaning of the site and removing any temporary encroachments from the pond area, ensuring a fresh start for the restoration process.

Step 02

Desilting of the Pond

Capacity expanded from approximately 4,500 to about 7,200 cubic meters through desilting, enhancing the pond's ability to manage water influx.

Step 03

Levelling of the Pond

Levelling the pond site and preparing a drainage system to channel runoff from the catchment area into the pond, ensuring proper water flow and retention.

Step 04

Sewage Treatment Plant (150 KLD)

A 150 KLD sewage treatment plant installed near the pond to treat and divert wastewater, supporting continuous water supply and groundwater recharge.

On-Ground Documentation

Pictorial Journey

Click a stage to explore the restoration step by step

From the first demarcation of the pond boundary to solar light installation and open gym — a complete visual record of every major intervention at Chandla Dungerwas.

Stage 1

Demarcation — Marking the boundary of the pond area before restoration work begins on the site.

Stage 2

Dewatering — Pumping out accumulated water and sewage to allow excavation and desilting work to begin.

Stage 3

Dredging & Desilting — Excavator clearing the pond bed to increase water storage capacity from 4,500 to 7,200 cu.m.

Stage 4

Levelling — Grading and levelling the cleared pond bed, preparing drainage channels for proper water flow.

Stage 5

Creating Embankment — Constructing the reinforced boundary around the pond perimeter to prevent encroachment and retain water.

Stage 6

WWTP Construction — Building the 150 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant structure with rebar and formwork at the site.

Stage 7

Pathway Construction — Laying the cobblestone embankment pathway around the pond perimeter for community access.

Stage 8

Cattle Rampway Construction — Concrete steps providing safe access to the pond for cattle, reducing embankment erosion.

Stage 9

Solar Light Installation — Installing solar-powered street lights along the pond boundary for community use at night.

Stage 10

Open Gym & Fencing — Outdoor gym equipment and protective fencing transform the restored pond into a community green space.

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Before and After Images

The transformation — from a polluted degraded water body to a restored community pond with a clean embankment.

Before

After

Community Engagement

IEC Story

Building community ownership through awareness and participation

To ensure the success of the Chandla Pond restoration project, a series of IEC (Information, Education & Communication) activities were meticulously planned and executed — embedding the principles of conservation and sustainability within the community.

Stone-Laying Ceremony

Hon. Member of Parliament Rao Inderjit Singh and Hon. Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram unveiled a commemorative stone, marking the project's official commencement.

Community Meetings

Community meetings fostered a dialogue with local residents to gather their input and ensure their support for the restoration plan.

Women's Engagement

Special attention was given to engaging local women through dedicated meetings that emphasized the importance of water conservation.

Paani Panchayat

The Paani Panchayat water awareness program was launched to educate the entire community about sustainable water management practices.

Orientation Sessions

Orientation sessions were conducted to instill a sense of responsibility towards maintaining the restored pond after project completion.

Youth Activation

On 8th July 2022, GuruJal organised a one-day training program with Nehru Yuva Kendra volunteers to activate youth clubs in Gurugram district villages.

Community circle meeting at Chandla Dungerwas

Measured Outcomes

Potential Impacts

What this restored pond means for Chandla Dungerwas and beyond

The restoration of Chandla Dungerwas Pond is projected to deliver measurable ecological, hydrological and community benefits — transforming it from a degraded waste dump into a thriving community water asset.

Key Impact Metric

25,567

Kilo litres of Fresh Water

Recharged into the ground per year through the restored Chandla Dungerwas Pond — replenishing local aquifers, raising the water table and sustaining communities.

518 people sustained for a year

Groundwater recharge

Ecological revival

At Gurujal, we recharge groundwater and revitalize communities to 'Make India Water Secure'.

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