Percolation Pond—A Potential Environmental Control Measure

Percolation pond is a miniature water storage medium, constructed across a depression to impound the runoff water to enable percolation of water to recharge the ground water. Since these structures help in in-situ conservation of water, the ultimate overland flow is minimised and the probability of flood flow is less frequent. This mechanism works better, particularly in undeveloped river system area. Besides acting as a flood-moderator, the percolated quantum increases the yield of water in the wells at the vicinity. Studies were conducted in two locations to ascertain the effect of percolation pond, with deficient and more rainfall than the normal on the availability of water and on saturating the irrigated area. Alternative cropping programmes, to optimise the water use, have also been proposed. Analysis is made to project the productive potential of these ponds and a nationwide programme, for the construction of these ponds is stressed in view of its role in environmental control, microecological development and sustaining irrigated cropping.