Networking of channels and creation of percolation ponds have not only helped in arresting rainwater draining out of Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur, but also improved the region’s groundwater table.
Zoo authorities are entirely dependent on groundwater resources and draw five lakh litres every day to meet their requirements. Water is used to fill up animal enclosures, and also to bathe and feed the animals. K.S.S.V.P. Reddy, additional principal chief conservator of forests and zoo director, says the percolation ponds have been created with minimal concrete structures.
Importance has been given to bund formation and weirs (a structure to raise water level), and flush escape hatches have been constructed around the ponds, each of which serve to automatically drain excess water from one into another, says Mr. Reddy.
A total of 67.5 crore litres of rainwater is expected to be harvested with the new structures in place. The new ponds now store 22.5 crore litres of water, enough to meet the zoo’s requirements, he says.
