Dera Ismail Khan: Restoration efforts have begun at Badri Pond in Burzawali Village, Dera Ismail Khan, as part of the Recharge Pakistan initiative, aiming to enhance water security and climate resilience for local communities. The project seeks to restore the seasonal freshwater system through nature-based solutions, underscoring the importance of ecosystem restoration in addressing the country's climate challenges.

According to WWFPakistan, the commencement of work at Badri Pond represents a significant milestone for Recharge Pakistan, a seven-year, USD 72.9 million climate adaptation initiative. The project, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, the Federal Flood Commission, and supported by the Green Climate Fund and The Coca-Cola Foundation, focuses on reducing flood and drought risks and improving groundwater recharge across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan.

Historically, Badri Pond has been a crucial freshwater source for surrounding communities and ecosystems. However, issues like sediment accumulation and eroded embankments have impaired its capacity, exacerbating water stress. The restoration plan includes restoring natural flow paths, desilting, and reinforcing embankments, which will enhance its water-holding capacity by approximately 20,000 cubic metres, benefiting an estimated 2,957 households.

Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for collaboration and investment in watershed resilience. Hemant Mandal, Director of the Asia and the Pacific Region at the Green Climate Fund, highlighted the project's role in demonstrating effective nature-based solutions alongside conventional infrastructure to deliver sustainable benefits.

The Badri Pond restoration is expected to be completed by 2026 and serves as the first of several such interventions under Recharge Pakistan, aiming to build resilience in some of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the country.