Ponds once dotted the rural hinterland and were integral to the daily lives of villagers, who revered and protected them for both religious and drinking purposes. But, with the advent of handpumps and now piped water supply, these water bodies have been encroached upon by buildings, bhavans, playgrounds or putrefying garbage dumps. With changing climates and increased water stress, protecting and reviving the village ponds has become imperative.