Dera Ismail Khan: Restoration work has commenced at Badri Pond in Burzawali Village, marking a significant development under the Recharge Pakistan project. The initiative aims to rejuvenate a crucial seasonal freshwater system, thereby improving water security and bolstering climate resilience for local communities.

According to The Coca-Cola Foundation, the restoration project at Badri Pond is a pivotal intervention under the Recharge Pakistan initiative, which is a USD 72.9 million, seven-year climate adaptation effort. This project is implemented by WWF-Pakistan in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, the Federal Flood Commission, and is supported by the Green Climate Fund, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and WWF. The project seeks to mitigate flood and drought risks, enhance groundwater recharge, and restore degraded ecosystems through Nature-based Solutions.

The restoration marks a major milestone for Recharge Pakistan, advancing the project's Ecosystem-based Adaptation interventions. It follows extensive technical assessments and collaboration with government partners and local communities to ensure the project aligns with ecological needs and local priorities. For decades, Badri Pond has been a vital seasonal freshwater source for nearby communities and ecosystems. Over time, sediment accumulation and blocked natural flow paths have reduced its capacity, increasing water stress for local communities.

Highlighting the project's significance, Muhammad Fawad Hayat, Senior Director of Recharge Pakistan at WWF-Pakistan, noted the planned restoration of natural flow paths, de-silting of the pond, and reinforcement of embankments, which are expected to increase the pond's water-holding capacity significantly. Completion is anticipated by the end of 2026, serving as a model for Nature-based Solutions in Pakistan's climate-vulnerable regions.