41 farmers move Gujarat HC against removal of earthen bund to protect pond in Botad district

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed by 41 Gujarat farmers to save a decades-old village pond they claim is essential for their survival.

The PIL heard by the division bench challenges a recent government decision to dismantle an earthen bund that sustains a water body in Nagalpar village. The farmers allege that the removal of this infrastructure will effectively dry up the pond, which has served as a critical irrigation resource since 1970.

As per the petitioners, the pond was born out of community necessity in the 1970s when villagers and the local panchayat collaborated to obstruct a natural water course. The construction, managed by the Irrigation Department, allowed rainwater to accumulate at the end of an earthen bund.

The importance of the site was further solidified when the pond was integrated into the Saurashtra Narmada Avataran Irrigation (SAUNI) Yojana. Under this state initiative, surplus Narmada water was diverted into the pond via a valve system to ensure a steady supply for agricultural activities during periods of scarcity.

The legal battle stems from an order passed on February 23, 2026, authorising the "removal of earthen bund" at an estimated cost of ₹3 lakh.

Some farmers from the neighbouring village of Dhinkaniya have reportedly pressed for the pond's removal. The pond sits on various survey numbers, including private land.

The pond was created for letting the excess rainwater accumulate at the end of the bund. Since all have benefitted, none of the erstwhile owners and farmers of private lands had ever objected to the existence of the said pond.

Petitioners claim that due to local opposition, water from the SAUNI Yojana is currently not being diverted into the pond, rendering it dry.

The high court directed the Nagalpar Gram Panchayat to be officially impleaded in the case. Furthermore, the court has ordered the state government to provide a written explanation by May 6, 2026, justifying the removal of the bund of the pond.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing next week.