A large number of small-medium sized community ponds exist in most parts of the Terai
region in Nepal. Such ponds could be a viable alternative for other forms of surface
irrigation. But, with the lack of efficient management, many of these ponds remain
underutilized. An effort was made to facilitate the rehabilitation of such a pond in a selected
village of Rupandehi District in Western Terai region of Nepal. This paper aims to evaluate
the changed water availability situation in post-monsoon seasons after the pond rehabilitation.
The paper also evaluates the feasibility of such interventions especially focusing on the
potential to provide additional water and improve agricultural productivity. Results showed
small increases in quantifiable indicators such as water availability, cropping intensity,
productivity and income. The new institutional setup improved water allocation, improved
operation and maintenance, and increased social awareness among the people about the
importance of underutilized water resources. The intervention has the potential to be
replicated in similar contexts.