Magar village, in the Rajpur Rural Municipality which is situated at the foothills of the Churia range in Nepal’s Kamdi Corridor, faces significant water scarcity due to the low water retention capacity of the area's soil. This challenge is further aggravated by rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells, and intense, erratic rainfall occurring over short periods. The local community, which depends heavily on monsoon rains for agriculture, has been experiencing irregular rainfall patterns and intense heat, leading to declining agricultural productivity and reduced income.

Although a small river runs nearby, its location close to a forest presents challenges in channeling water to agricultural lands due to potential conflicts with wildlife. To address these issues, WWF Nepal constructed a multipurpose pond in Magar village in an area with natural water retention capacity to ensure a reliable water supply during dry periods. The pond will also help recharge groundwater by reducing sub-surface flow.

During a preliminary site visit, community members shared their plans to develop homestays in the village. The pond will provide multiple benefits, including water for crop production and opportunities for fish and snail farming, which will serve as delicacies for tourists and enhance local livelihoods by diversifying income sources in a nature-friendly manner. Snail and fish cultivation was selected as the desired alternative nature-friendly livelihood option based on community consultations, and the Agriculture Knowledge Centre helped inform the varieties of snails and fish to provide, ensuring sustainability. To further support sustainable living, beneficiary households were provided with solar dryers, as well as resources for fish and snail cultivation, and community members were educated and trained in how to maintain the pond and its ecosystem.