Ghongha Village Council River Sanctuary
Location: Belgahana, Bhakurra Nawapara, and Bardwar villages, Chhattisgarh
A 7-kilometre river stretch declared a Gram Panchayat-led sanctuary to address water scarcity, biodiversity decline, and livelihood insecurity.
​Project at a glance
​7 km
​Of river stretch declared protected
​3
Village councils joined i
​784 Kg
​Plastic waste removed
150+
​Families treated in the health camp
​About the project
The sanctuary is governed under the authority of the Gram Panchayat using provisions available under the Panchayati Raj Act. The river constitution establishes binding rules prohibiting sand mining, unregulated dam construction, plastic dumping, and invasive species spread. It promotes regulated grazing, fish conservation aligned with wildlife laws, and sustainable agriculture practices near the riverbanks.
The declaration does not constitute a state or federally notified protected area but derives legal standing through Panchayat authority.
​How the Project Started
In January 2024, Belgahana village initiated consultations regarding declining water levels, reduced fish populations, and increasing seasonal flow variability in the Ghongha River. Repeated meetings, particularly with women from local self-help groups, highlighted concerns about water security, agriculture, and nutrition.
Based on these consultations, The Nature People Network supported the drafting of a village-level river constitution and facilitated passage of a Gram Sabha resolution declaring the river stretch a Water–Biodiversity–Agriculture Conservation Village Sanctuary. Two additional villages passed similar resolutions by December 2024, creating a contiguous 7 km sanctuary.
​Our approach
The project followed a consultation-first model. NPN facilitated structured discussions with SHG women, village leaders, and community members before drafting a river constitution aligned with Panchayati Raj provisions. The framework was designed to make violations actionable under village-level authority.
A communication strategy was established linking village leadership, SHG networks, media, and district authorities to ensure visibility and administrative engagement. This communication network later enabled horticulture intervention and MNREGA-supported cleanup activities.
The resolution by the village council, which lays down the laws protecting the river, declaring the village as a "river sanctuary"
​Outcomes and Impact
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Establishment of a legally binding Gram Panchayat river conservation framework across three villages.​
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Removal of 784 kg of plastic waste through MNREGA-supported cleanup.
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Invasive Ipomoea removal across riverbanks.
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Creation of a horticulture plant employing 10–20 local residents.
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Health camp delivering ₹70,000–₹80,000 worth of medical services free of charge.
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Increased research engagement, including studies on bushmeat and socio-economic drivers of river degradation.
​Partners and Community
The sanctuary is governed by the Gram Panchayats of Belgahana, Bhakurra Nawapara, and Bardwar. Women from local self-help groups were central to consultations and implementation activities, including cleanup and invasive removal.
The Nature People Network provided facilitation, constitutional drafting, and coordination support. Cleanup work was supported through the MNREGA scheme, and the district horticulture department established a horticulture plant following the declaration. Local medical professionals voluntarily organised a health camp.
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​Our river conservation initiatives are spearheaded by dedicated volunteer women from local Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These volunteers led the cleanup, that was organized by NPN, along the banks of the river Ghongha.
​Challenges and Learnings
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River governance required sustained communication between village councils and district authorities.
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Employment-linked conservation (via MNREGA) increased participation.
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Ensuring continued enforcement remains essential to prevent the sanctuary from becoming a “paper declaration.”
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NPN, in collaboration with the Gram Sabha of Belgahana village, conducted a comprehensive survey of public land designated for rewilding initiatives. .
​What's Next
Planned next steps include further MNREGA-supported restoration along riverbanks, continued invasive management, strengthening patrolling mechanisms led by SHG women, and presenting research findings to local authorities to guide awareness and conservation planning.