The Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI) along with the Coimbatore district administration are on the process of restoring seven ponds within Kinnathukadavu block scientifically.
Mahaliyamman Kovil Kuttai (5 acre) at Arasampalayam, Vayakadu Kuttai (4 acre) at Vadasithur, Mariyamman Kovil Kuttai (.50 acre) at Mandrampalayam, Senguttai (1.5 acre) at Kattampatti, Govindapuram Kuttai (1 acre), AD Colony Kuttai (1.75 acre) at Kakadavu and Oorani Kuttai (4 acre) at Mettuvavi are the ponds covered under the restoration works.
According to Sanjay Prasad, chief coordinator of EFI in Coimbatore, works for restoring two ponds, Senguttai and Mariyamman Kovil Kuttai were completed.
Senguttai spread over 1.5 acre had invasive species in the pond bed which was reducing space available for sub-surface percolation and groundwater recharge. After removing the invasive species and desilting the pond, two recharge pits were constructed to maximise the water pressure and increase groundwater recharge. Also, inlet-outlet regulation and bund strengthening was also done. The erection of secondary bunds and the clearance of the outlet channel beyond the weir done at the pond are expected to address the risk of flooding.
The half-acre Mariyamman Kovil pond was also cleared of its invasive weeds and a central recharge pit was constructed to improve the quality of groundwater in the region. Apart from desilting the pond, its bunds were strengthened and the inlet-outlets were regulated to store water, reduce excess run-offs and manage surface and groundwater resources in the region.
Mr. Prasad said that works for restoring the third pond, Oorani Kuttai were expected to conclude by March-end. After clearing the invasive species and bushes, the pond will be desilted and deepened by two to three ft along the contour. Strategically-placed recharge pits and bunds to prevent encroachments will be created after that. The inlet-outlet channels will be cleared for maximum efficiency in water management locally.
He added that planting of native species will be undertaken at all the ponds after the onset of the monsoon. It will conduct community engagement activities in the vicinity of the ponds to raise awareness about preserving water resources.
