Baran, Rajasthan, July 08, 2025: In a significant stride toward water sustainability and rural resilience, a large community pond has been developed in Bhoyal village of Baran district, Rajasthan. The initiative, led by the social enterprise Grow-Trees.com with active support from local residents, aims to address the region’s persistent water scarcity by harvesting rainwater for irrigation and groundwater recharge.
Constructed over 1.5 months from May to June 2025, the pond measures approximately 120 feet in length, 25 feet in width, and 8–10 feet in depth. With a capacity of over 700,000 litres (approximately 154,514 gallons), it is expected to support irrigation needs from July through December—crucial months for farming in a region that depends heavily on monsoon rains. 
“The pond will help address irrigation needs during the rainy and winter months and contribute to better agricultural output and income for farmers. It will also help improve groundwater recharge levels in Baran district,” said Mr. Pradip Shah, Co-founder, Grow-Trees.com.
Last November, Baran made headlines when residents in Kalupura, Loh Siswali, endured a six-day drinking water shortage, triggering public protests. With agriculture, animal husbandry, and labour as primary livelihoods, erratic rainfall and water scarcity remain major concerns across the district.
The pond project offers a practical, community-owned solution. Soil excavated during its construction was used to level nearby farmland, benefiting local farmers. “The area around the pond is already seeing healthier vegetation and improved water access. Since this is a community-owned project, we are confident it will be well maintained,” added Mr. Shah.
In addition to the pond, Grow-Trees.com has also initiated the Trees for Farmers® project in Shahbad tehsil of Baran. Of the targeted 90,000 trees, 25,700 have already been planted. The project is designed to supplement rural livelihoods through agroforestry and support long-term environmental restoration.
As communities across India seek climate-resilient solutions, Bhoyal’s success story underscores the importance of collaborative, grassroots-led water management initiatives in building sustainable rural futures.
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