Azad Kashmir: In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing water scarcity, Usman, a dedicated teacher and social activist from Azad Kashmir, (Pakistan-admknistered Kashmir) has embarked on an ambitious mission to construct 10,000 water-harvesting ponds, also known as “Water Sucking Ponds,” across the region. These ponds are designed to capture rainwater and recharge underground water levels, offering a sustainable solution to the area’s growing water crisis.
To date, Usman has successfully completed 150 ponds, and the initiative has gained traction, with more people joining the cause. The primary objective of this project is not only to enhance water conservation efforts but also to provide local communities with a reliable source of water, improving both agricultural practices and water access for households.
The Mission:
The water-harvesting ponds are expected to play a critical role in combating the water shortage in the region. By collecting rainwater in designated areas, the ponds will help restore underground water tables, which have been depleting over the years due to excessive water extraction for agriculture and domestic use.
Conditions for Participation: Individuals who wish to construct a water-harvesting pond on their property are encouraged to participate in the mission, with a financial incentive of PKR 6,000. The requirements for participation are as follows:
- The pond must have a minimum size of 15 feet in length, 6 feet in width, and 2 feet in depth.
- The pond should be built in an area where rainwater naturally accumulates.
- The pond cannot be filled in or concreted after construction.
- Before starting construction, the participant must send a video of the proposed site to Usman via WhatsApp at 03124017199 for approval.
- Once the pond is completed, a follow-up video must be submitted, after which the financial support will be disbursed.
- If the pond is located near populated areas, safety precautions such as fencing around the edges must be installed for the protection of children.
The Bigger Picture: This initiative is currently focused on Azad Kashmir, but Usman plans to expand the project worldwide in the future. The goal is to create a widespread impact by building water conservation structures in areas where water scarcity is most severe.
In addition to environmental benefits, the project offers local employment opportunities, as it encourages the participation of local residents in construction and maintenance activities. The first phase of the mission aims to build 10,000 ponds, with further plans to enhance the surrounding environment by planting trees around the ponds, although this will be implemented at a later stage.
A Call for Collective Effort: Usman has emphasized that this mission is not just about building ponds it’s about securing a sustainable future for future generations. “We need to act now for the sake of our children’s future,” he stated. His call for participation is not only aimed at individual landowners but also at raising awareness about the critical water issues facing the region.
Daily Updates: To stay informed about the latest developments on this project, daily updates are shared on Usman’s Facebook page, Teacher Usman. Here, followers can view the ongoing progress of the pond construction and see firsthand the impact of this water conservation initiative
