In a groundbreaking achievement for rural water conservation, the Rural Development Department of Lakhimpur Kheri has set a national record by constructing the maximum number of community ponds in a single month. Spearheaded by Shri Abhishek Kumar, IAS, Chief Development Officer, the initiative titled ‘Har Gaon Talaab Abhiyaan’ has become a model of sustainable development and efficient governance.
Between May 15 and June 15, 2025, a remarkable 1,030 community ponds were constructed across the district, each equipped with proper inlets and outlets to manage water flow and serve the needs of local communities — from irrigation and livestock use to groundwater recharge and sanitation.
The campaign was launched in response to growing concerns over water scarcity and rural resilience in the face of climate change. Through meticulous planning, inter-departmental coordination, and strong community involvement, the initiative ensured that every gram panchayat in the district could benefit from at least one functional water body.
“This is not just about setting a record — it’s about creating a long-term water security net for our villages,” said Shri Abhishek Kumar. “Our goal was to build assets that empower communities to manage their own water sustainably.”
The achievement was officially recognized on June 18, 2025, and has drawn national attention for its scale, speed, and impact.
The ‘Har Gaon Talaab Abhiyaan’ is now being hailed as a replicable model for other drought-prone districts across India, proving that with the right leadership and community participation, rural India can lead the way in sustainable water management.
