On January 8, 2026, Development Alternatives, in collaboration with HCL Foundation, organised a community celebration and workshop on the revival of Sidipur Pond in Sidipur village, Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh. The event was held under the जलConnect campaign: ReStorying Our Ponds, through the initiative Humare Talaab, Humari Pehchaan, as part of the Natural Ecosystem Restoration programme. The initiative aims to strengthen community ownership of water bodies through locally rooted, nature-based solutions.

The programme brought together Panchayat members from Sidipur and neighbouring villages, Talaab Samiti members, school children, representatives from the HCL Foundation team, and nearly 100 community members. Senior district officials also graced the occasion, including Shri Shivakant Drivedi, Chief Development Officer, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Shri Fanish Kumar, Block Development Officer.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivakant Drivedi highlighted the urgency of water conservation, noting the limited availability of freshwater resources globally and emphasising that long-term protection of water bodies depends on collective community stewardship. He also unveiled the Sidipur Pond rejuvenation process booklet, documenting the technical and social journey of restoration in the village. Shri Fanish Kumar stressed the importance of strong documentation for replicating such models elsewhere, appreciated the collaborative efforts of Development Alternatives and HCL Foundation, and spoke about identifying additional nature-based local solutions to strengthen water security.

The celebration featured a walk around the rejuvenated Sidipur Pond with Talaab Samiti members, a photo wall capturing the pond’s transformation, the unveiling of the Sidipur photobook, and the felicitation of community representatives and school children who participated in the Paani ki Paathshala initiative. The event concluded with renewed commitments from villagers and local institutions to sustain the restored ecosystem and safeguard Sidipur’s water future.