On the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya, Pyaas Foundation, a leading NGO dedicated to water conservation and environmental sustainability, proudly handed over two of its landmark lake projects in the Belagavi district.
The first project, Dhobhi Ghat Lake, marks a significant milestone as the first man-made lake constructed in Belagavi in over fifty years. Spread over one and a half acres, the lake features an island planted with fruit-bearing trees to attract birds and foster nesting, creating a thriving micro-ecosystem. The lake was developed with CSR support from Sneham Taping Solutions and technical guidance from the Indian Institute of Hydrology.
The lake handover ceremony was graced by Brigadier Joydip Mukherji as Chief Guest and the lake was formally handed over to Mr. Rajeev Kumar, IDES, CEO of the Cantonment Board. The event saw attendance from several prominent citizens of Belagavi, members of the Cantonment Board, and CSR partners, including Mr. Anish Metrani (Sneham Taping Solutions), Mr. Nitin Khot, Mr. Purandar (Indian Institute of Hydrology), and Mr. Satish Mannurkar, among others.
Brigadier Mukherji praised the efforts of the Foundation, expressing deep satisfaction at the outcome. CEO Mr. Rajeev Kumar acknowledged the project’s significance and promised to further enhance the lake with a garden for public benefit.
In another major development, Pyaas Foundation handed over the rejuvenated Gajapati Lake, spread over seven and a half acres, to the Gram Panchayat of Gajapati. This marks the fourteenth successful lake revival project by the foundation. The project was made possible through CSR funding from Jinabakul Forge Pvt Ltd., Belagavi.
The Gajapati Lake handover ceremony was presided over by Mrs. Laxmi Hebbalkar, Minister for Women and Child Welfare, who was the Chief Guest, and Mr. Rahul Shinde, CEO of the Zilla Panchayat and youth leader Mr Mrinal Hebbalkar, who served as the Guests of Honour. In her address, Mrs. Hebbalkar applauded the work of Pyaas Foundation and assured continued support for future projects. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Mr. Bhalchandra Badan, Mr. Kiran Jinagauda, and Mr. Santosh Kelgeri—CSR partners from Jinabakul Forge Pvt Ltd—as well as hundreds of local villagers.
The events were seamlessly conducted by the core team of Pyaas Foundation, led by:
– Dr. Madhav Prabhu – President, Dr. Preeti Kore – Secretary, Mr. Abhimanyu Daga – Vice President, Mr. Laxmikant Pasari – Treasurer, Mr. Deepak Oulkar, Mr. Avadhoot Samant, Mr. Suryakant Hindalgekar, Mr. Rohan Kulkarni, and Mr. Satish Lad – Directors
Pyaas Foundation remains committed to water sustainability, ecological restoration, and community development. These two successful projects stand as a testament to the power of collaboration between civil society, government, and corporate partners.