The village pond is turning green again.

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - As life develops, land becomes increasingly valuable. About a decade ago, ponds and lakes in villages, communes, and many households were gradually filled in to become valuable plots of land. The disappearance of ponds affected the fresh air of the countryside to some extent. Faced with this reality, in recent years, through the implementation of the landscape beautification program in the New Rural Development program, many rural areas in Hoang Hoa district have paid attention to preserving and improving village ponds, retaining the "lungs" that regulate the air during the summer.

Báo Thanh Hóa•02/05/2025

The lake in the central park of Hoang Thai commune (Hoang Hoa district) is protected, creating a green, clean, and beautiful landscape.

Perhaps few places leave such a lasting impression on so many people as Hoang Quy commune. It has become a tradition that around 5 PM, when the weather begins to turn hot and humid like summer, adults and children gather at the village cultural centers to play and enjoy the cool breeze. What's remarkable is that in a locality bordering National Highway 1A, with rapid urbanization, dense population, and limited land, the people have still managed to preserve their village ponds and work together to improve their cleanliness and beauty.

According to Le Van Hai, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hoang Quy Commune: "In the past, Hoang Quy Commune had many ponds, but over time, the development of social life has gradually reduced the number of village ponds. Currently, the entire commune only has 8 village ponds scattered across the hamlets of Dong Khe, Ich Ha, Tay Phuc, Trung Tien, Dong Nam... All ponds have been renovated using socialized funding. The renovation of the ponds depends on the actual conditions of each hamlet, but basically, they are built with sturdy embankments and railings for protection. The ponds are directly managed by the hamlets. Many families in the commune have supported and contributed labor and money to buy stone benches and plant trees around them to create a beautiful landscape. As a result, the area around the village ponds has become an ideal place for people to stop, meet, chat, and relax during the hot summer days."

Hoang Thang commune is a densely populated area with famous villages such as Hong Nhue and Hoang Tri. In Hong Nhue village, the village ponds in this arable land were once crucial during both the rainy and dry seasons. However, not immune to change, with land becoming scarce and the population growing, people filled in the ponds to build houses and gardens. About 20 years ago, dozens of large and small ponds in the village were transformed into densely populated residential areas. Some things, once lost, are very difficult to get back, and village ponds are no exception!

Fortunately, some ponds in the village have been preserved to this day. The people here have paid more attention to maintaining these shared spaces. In Hong Nhue 2 village alone, since 2023, after being renovated with socialized funding, two village ponds with a total area of about 800m2 have become a highlight in the village's mini-parks.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Khuyen, Secretary of the Party branch of Hong Nhue 2 village, shared: "For generations, village ponds have been a familiar image in the lives of many generations of farmers, the soul of each village. Village ponds regulate the air, becoming the 'lungs' that cool the hot summer days, providing a place to prevent drought for farmers during the dry season, and draining water during the rainy season. Therefore, when village ponds are renovated, they will fulfill their inherent functions, while also contributing to enhancing the rural landscape and bringing a healthy living environment to rural people."

In Hoang Thai commune, many ponds and lakes have been preserved. The lake in the commune's central park has long been likened by locals to a "lung" that regulates and soothes the heat for the densely populated residential area and nearby schools. The lake, approximately 10,000 square meters in size, has been renovated and lined with a winding shape. Above the lake, the commune has constructed a new memorial monument to the heroic martyrs with an impressive design. The surrounding landscape has been neatly maintained with playgrounds, exercise areas, walking paths, benches, trees, a solar power system, and paved roads. Many locals, whenever they pass by, are amazed that in a densely populated area like Hoang Thai commune, the local officials and people have managed to preserve such open spaces for the village.

Rural villages are adapting to new stages of development, but preserving natural ponds and lakes is a matter of great concern, as they contribute to sustainable environmental landscapes, open living spaces, and practical benefits for the people.

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