Water pond built under NREGA, a relief for Marna villagers

Marna (Uttar Pradesh), Apr 24 (ANI): The building up of a water pond under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in Uttar Pradesh's Marna village has come as a big respite for the villagers.

The water pond has solved the water problem in the region and provided them employment with wages for 100 days.

The water pond was inaugurated on Friday.

"This lake, which is being made, is the most beautiful. One lake is filled with water and another is under construction. Thousands of trees are planted, one picnic spot is also being made," said Lallu Singh, an advocate.

"We have come here for its inaugural and believe the village head, who through NREGA has helped the village so much will further do so. We want to congratulate him," he added.

This expansive water tank has supplemented the scenic setting of the village. With boating facilities, tourists and pilgrims visiting the nearby Ayodhya town, are expected to come here to enjoy for a pleasant outing.

Thousands of trees have been planted alongside the lake for its beautification.

"This has helped in the employment of villagers and even beautified the village, the water level will also rise. It will give water to the taps, tube wells because in summer the water level goes down, so it will help in water supply," said Om Parkash , Marna Pradhan (village headman).

With the coming up of this tank, the villagers are a happy lot since the water from it would meet all their needs including additional irrigation of the agricultural lands.

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act aims at enhancing the livehood security of people in rural areas by guaranteeing hundred days of wage-employment in a financial year to a rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. (ANI)