​​The Koyyari Lake in Kumbashi had been neglected for over 25 years. It was choked with weeds and sediment, making it unfit for use. VF, in collaboration with the Kumbashi Panchayat and the local community, took on the challenge of restoring the lake to its former glory.

The project began with a formal pooja of the JCB, attended by Rohith Bhat and Ravindra K. The villagers were enthusiastic about the project and were eager to help in any way they could. 

However, the task was not an easy one. The silt was too deep, and the JCB machine used for the cleaning process had gotten stuck twice. The rains were threatening to arrive early too due to a cyclone at the time. But the villagers persevered, and with the help of multiple pumps running day and night, the project was completed in just a few weeks.

The villagers too unconditionally supported the project by providing spare land for dumping the extracted silt and clearing a pathway for the lorries to transport it. They also enjoyed collecting huge fish from the lake during the cleaning process. It was a win-win!

Despite the challenges, the cleaned water body was handed back to the Panchayat on May 17, 2022. Shylaja Rao and Sudhir Bhat attended the event. The Koyyari Lake is now used for agricultural activity by local farmers, providing water for drinking, supporting cultivation, and enhancing the natural beauty of the area. The lake has become a habitat for birds, keeping the region around it cool and clean.

A few months after the project, in February 2023, the Foundation received freshly cultivated groundnuts as a token of gratitude from the local farmers, a beautiful surprise that moved and overwhelmed the VF team with pride.

The project to restore the Koyyari Lake is an excellent example of VF's commitment to environmental conservation. The initiative not only supports the socio-economic needs of the community but also helps maintain a healthy balance of aquatic life. The project's success is a testament to the power of collaboration between VF, the local community, and the government. It is an inspiring story of hope and renewal, proving that with determination and teamwork, anything is possible.