Draft:Kalmane Kamegowda
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Comment: If he is mostly known as "Pond Man" for constructing ponds, article should not be excessive. Joãohola 11:52, 2 August 2025 (UTC)
Kalmane Kamegowda (1938–2022) was an Indian shepherd, environmentalist, and water conservationist from Karnataka, India.[1][2] Known as the "Pond Man," he gained national recognition for single-handedly constructing 17 ponds on barren hills near his village over four decades to address water scarcity.[3] His conservation efforts earned him the Rajyotsava Award in 2018 and national recognition when Prime Minister Narendra Modi featured him in his radio program *Mann Ki Baat* in 2020.[4] He died in October 2022 and is remembered as a symbol of grassroots environmental activism.
Early life and background
[edit]Kamegowda was born in 1938 in Dasanadoddi village in Malavalli taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka.[5] He never attended formal school and worked as a shepherd throughout his life, tending sheep and goats.[1] According to Kamegowda, he learned the techniques of identifying ground moisture and creating water bodies from his father, who was also a shepherd.[1]
Water conservation work
[edit]Pond construction project
[edit]Beginning in the 1980s, Kamegowda undertook an ambitious water conservation project to combat regional water scarcity.[1] Over four decades, he invested approximately ₹10–15 lakh (around $14,000) from his earnings and those of his son, primarily from sheep farming, to construct 17 ponds on the Kundinibetta hills near Dasanadoddi village.[6][7]
The construction was done primarily using basic hand tools including shovels, spades, and pickaxes, though Kamegowda occasionally rented excavating equipment when finances permitted.[1] He designed the ponds to be interconnected on sloping terrain to ensure continuous water flow and prevent them from drying during summer months.[1]
Environmental impact
[edit]The pond system created significant ecological benefits for the region. According to a documentary produced by local filmmakers Abhi Gowda and M.B. Naganna Gowda, the 17 ponds can collectively store up to 330 million litres of water.[8] The water bodies provide crucial resources for diverse wildlife including birds, bears, leopards, deer, and foxes.[1]
Beyond water conservation, Kamegowda planted over 2,000 trees in the area, earning him the local nickname "Vanapalaka" (guardian of forests).[4] His comprehensive conservation efforts transformed the previously barren Kundoor Betta hillock into a thriving ecosystem.[4]
Recognition and awards
[edit]State honors
[edit]The Karnataka government honored Kamegowda with the Rajyotsava Award in November 2018, the state's highest civilian honor.[9][10] The citation specifically recognized his environmental service, crediting him with afforesting hillside areas in Mandya district and creating water conservation infrastructure.[10] He also received the Basavashree award and was granted a lifetime free bus pass for state transport services.[5]
National recognition
[edit]Kamegowda gained national prominence when Prime Minister Narendra Modi featured him in the 66th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 28 June 2020.[4] Modi praised his dedication to environmental conservation and highlighted how his work had revitalized the local ecosystem.[11]
Media attention
[edit]The was among the first major publications to document Kamegowda's work in their original reporting.[6] Following national recognition, his story gained international coverage.[12]
Challenges and opposition
[edit]Despite his eventual recognition, Kamegowda faced considerable skepticism throughout his project. Local villagers initially dismissed his efforts and ridiculed his claims about understanding groundwater patterns.[11] After gaining national attention, some villagers filed complaints with local authorities, alleging that Kamegowda was treating government land as personal property.[11]
Deputy Commissioner M.V. Venkatesh investigated these allegations and determined them to be unfounded, stating that there was a "wrong perception" about Kamegowda's activities and confirming the legitimacy of his conservation work.[12] Venkatesh praised Kamegowda as a dedicated environmentalist and described him as "a role model to other people in watershed development."[12]
Personal life and death
[edit]Kamegowda lived modestly in a two-room structure adjacent to his son's house while continuing to maintain his sheep flock.[1] He was married to Kempamma, who predeceased him, and had two sons and several grandchildren.[13] He meticulously preserved newspaper clippings and documents related to his achievements and recognition.[1]
In a notable example of his dedication, Kamegowda once used money he had saved for his daughter-in-law's medical expenses to construct another pond, which he named Krishna after his grandson when the medical intervention proved unnecessary.[12]
Kamegowda died on 17 October 2022, at age 84 from age-related health complications at his home in Dasanadoddi village.[3][14][13] His death prompted tributes from prominent political figures, with Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai referring to him as a "water sage" and "modern Bhagirath."[15][16]
Legacy
[edit]Following Kamegowda's recognition, the Karnataka state government allocated ₹5 million for continued watershed development in the area where he worked.[12] His pond system continues to function effectively, collecting rainwater seasonally and providing year-round water resources for local communities and wildlife.[12]
Kamegowda's story has become emblematic of grassroots environmental action and individual commitment to addressing climate change and water scarcity. Political leaders have honored him with the title "Adhunika Bhagiratha" (modern Bhagirath), comparing him to the legendary king who brought the Ganges River to earth.[5] His work continues to inspire environmental conservation efforts across India and serves as a model for community-based water management initiatives.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i Rahi, Aijaz (18 December 2020). "Indian shepherd combats water scarcity by building ponds". Gulf News. Associated Press. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ "Biography: Kalmane Kamegowda – Pond Man". India Times. 28 June 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ a b "'Pond man' Kamegowda, who earned praise from PM, passes away". Deccan Herald. 17 October 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ a b c d "PM lauds Karnataka environmentalist's efforts at building water tank". Varthabharati. 28 June 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ a b c "Water warrior Kamegowda who won PM Modi's accolades passes away at 84". OneIndia. 17 October 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Shepherd from Karnataka builds 14 ponds on barren hill, turns his village green". The New Indian Express. 15 June 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ "Indian shepherd combats water scarcity by building ponds". The Boston Globe. Associated Press. 18 December 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ "Karnataka's 'Pond Man' who built 16 water bodies passes away". The Hindu. 17 October 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ "Rajyotsava Awards". Government of Karnataka. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Margaret Alva, Justice Dattu, shepherd Kamegowda among recipients of Rajyotsava awards". The News Minute. 28 May 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ a b c "Indian shepherd combats water scarcity by building ponds". The Washington Post. Associated Press. 18 December 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "Indian shepherd combats water scarcity by building ponds". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Associated Press. 17 December 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Kalmane Kamegowda who built 17 ponds in Mandya, no more". The New Indian Express. 18 October 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ "Karnataka's Kalmane Kamegowda Who Built 17 Ponds Dies". NDTV. 17 October 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ ""Pond man" Kamegowda, who earned praise from PM, passes away". ETV Bharat. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ "Kalmane Kamegowda dies; K'taka leaders pay tribute". Hindustan Times. 18 October 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2025.