PYAAS Foundation, a charity in Belagavi, has successfully concluded the dredging and enhancement project of the lake in Machche village within the district. The formal transfer of the waterbody to the Minor Irrigation Department and the local residents recently marked the completion of the initiative. The lake’s revival was made possible through the efforts of PYAAS Foundation, supported by CSR contributions from AKP Ferrocast. The foundation took on the project after receiving requests from villagers who were grappling with significant groundwater depletion in the area.
With the assistance of Ram Bhandari, Parag Bhandari, and Gautam Bhandari from AKP Ferrocast, the foundation spearheaded the project. The four-acre lake underwent excavation up to 20 ft, complete removal of silt, and compression of the banks. The entire initiative, funded through CSR, amounted to approximately ₹17 lakh. The Irrigation Department officials, following MLA Abhay Patil’s directives, constructed retaining walls, the reservoir, and ramps.
The revitalized lake has become a valuable asset to the village, not only retaining water but also elevating groundwater levels in the adjacent areas. Some farmers are now cultivating vegetables in the command area. Chairman and Managing Director of AKP Ferrocast, Ram Bhandari, handed over the relevant documents to M.S. Malagi from the Minor Irrigation Department. The foundation’s Madhav Prabhu expressed gratitude to AKP Ferrocast and the villagers, with project coordinator Avadhoot Samant and representatives from the foundation and AKP Ferrocast in attendance.