Ponds crucial for flood prevention: Water-women rights activist Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava

Hyderabad: Leading water-rights activist Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava met with Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) Commissioner AV Ranganath on Thursday to discuss comprehensive strategies for protecting and reviving the city's water bodies, with a particular focus on preventing urban flooding through natural solutions.

During the meeting at the HYDRA office, Dr. Bhargava emphasized the critical importance of maintaining interconnected pond systems, comparing them to the human nervous system. "Just as our nervous system is vital for body function, the interconnectivity between ponds through proper drainage channels is essential for urban flood management," she explained.

Citing the recent flooding of Bangalore. Dr. Bhargava warned that similar situations could arise in any city where the natural water flow systems are compromised. She presented a detailed presentation highlighting cost-effective, natural methods for pond restoration.

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"The key lies in understanding that canals are the lifeblood of ponds. By first protecting and maintaining these canals, we can ensure clean water flow, which naturally reduces pond pollution",Dr. Bhargava stated. She further stressed the importance of maintaining unbroken chains of connected water bodies, allowing excess water to flow smoothly from one pond to another before eventually reaching rivers.

She emphasized that ponds can only thrive and support aquatic life when they are restored naturally, rather than with concrete structures. Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava is a transdisciplinary scholar of the built environment from sustainability and liveability perspectives that include architecture- design- development -planning- management- governance.