Saving water, securing futures - reviving community ponds

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Over the past few decades, Pakistan's rain-fed and arid regions have undergone significant transformation. Traditional water systems, once integral to rural life, have steadily declined. Small community reservoirs, locally known as Bann or Chappar/Chappri, were once a defining feature of the rural landscape. Within living memory, my village had more than two dozen ponds; today, only a few remain. Their disappearance has serious implications for environmental sustainability and rural livelihoods.

This decline is especially concerning as Pakistan's population has surpassed 241 million (Census 2023) and grows at about 2.55% annually - adding over 5 million people each year - placing immense pressure on already scarce water resources.

For generations, these small-scale reservoirs formed the foundation of life in water-scarce areas. Constructed and maintained through collective community efforts, they captured rainwater, particularly during the monsoon, and stored it for year-round use. They provided water for humans, livestock and wildlife; supported crops; and met daily needs. Their proximity to settlements and fields made them highly accessible, embedding them in the social and economic fabric of rural communities.

Their importance extended beyond immediate water provision. A key function was groundwater recharge. By allowing rainwater to percolate into the soil, they replenished aquifers and maintained water balance. In areas where groundwater is now the primary source of irrigation and drinking water, the disappearance of these ponds has disrupted this process, contributing to declining water tables and increasing pressure on limited resources - pressures further intensified by rapid population growth.

These ponds also regulated the local environment. During intense rainfall, they acted as natural buffers, capturing excess water and reducing surface runoff and flood risk. In dry seasons, they retained moisture in surrounding areas, supporting vegetation and agriculture. Clusters of such reservoirs, often surrounded by trees, helped maintain ecological balance. These trees provided shade during hot summers and offered birds suitable habitats near reliable water sources.

Equally important was their contribution to biodiversity. These water bodies supported birds, aquatic life and small wildlife. Migratory birds once relied on them for survival. Their disappearance has disrupted ecosystems, leading to declining biodiversity and weakening ecological functions such as pollination and natural pest control - both vital for sustainable agriculture.

The sustainability of these reservoirs was reinforced by strong social institutions. Communities collectively managed them, enforced norms to maintain water quality and ensured equitable access. This shared responsibility fostered ownership and accountability, enabling these systems to function effectively over generations.

However, many ponds have now vanished. Changing agricultural practices, reduced reliance on communal management and shifting socioeconomic priorities have led to their neglect. What was once a shared resource has gradually disappeared, along with the traditions that sustained it. The consequences are evident: declining groundwater levels, greater flood vulnerability, biodiversity loss and increasing water scarcity - compounded by the demands of a rapidly growing population.

At a time when Pakistan faces intensifying climate challenges, revisiting these traditional systems offers a practical pathway forward. Small-scale water reservoirs are cost-effective, locally adaptable and environmentally sustainable. Unlike large infrastructure projects, they can be developed and maintained at the community level, making them accessible and inclusive. Their revival can enhance water security, strengthen climate resilience and support sustainable rural livelihoods.

Importantly, restoring these ponds does not reject modern development. It calls for recognising indigenous knowledge and integrating it into contemporary water management. Community-led initiatives to rehabilitate Bann and Chappar/Chappri, supported by effective policy frameworks, can restore balance between human activity and natural systems.