Pond

POND

A pond is a small quiet land-based body of water, either naturally or artificially formed. A pond is smaller than a lake and there are no criteria to differentiate the two.

1. Differences between Pond and Lake

Both ponds and lakes are inland fresh water bodies. Lakes are generally deeper than ponds and have a larger surface area. Ponds have smaller waves than lakes. Some ponds and lakes are easy to identify while others are difficult to determine. In fact, there is no precise scientific difference between the two. What is considered a lake in one area may be a pond in another.

2. The size of Pond

A pond is less than 5 hectares (12 acres) and less than 5 meters (16 feet) deep. It is different from river and stream because there is no flowing water in it.

Some ponds are naturally formed. They are fed by rain water from an underwater spring. Other ponds are man-made.

3. Types of Ponds

Ponds can be divided into two types based on the source of water.

1. Rainwater tanks.

2. Fluvial ponds.

1. Rainwater Tanks

These ponds are called rain water ponds because they are filled with rainwater. The water that flows from the rain falling on the earth's surface reaches this pond.

2. Fluvial Ponds

As these ponds are filled by taking water from the river through canals. They are referred to as fluvial ponds.

4. Elements of Ponds (or) Water Management of Ponds

There are two elements from the Sangam period to the present day. Through those, they had effectively done water management.

(i) Banks

(ii) Setting up of wave stone

(iii) Madai, Kalingu, Thoombu were used for draining the water.

1. Embanking of ponds

The capacity of a pond can be predicted depending on the design and height of the bank of the pond. This fact is emphasized by Thiruvalluvar in his chapter 'Surtanthazhal'.

Proof:

1. [Kural 523]

The life of a King who does not live in harmony with his relatives is like a pond full of water without a bank.

2. [Purananooru 118]

Purananooru poet mentions that the ponds were formed in the shape of the crescent moon that appears on the eighth day. So the length of the bank is less and the water capacity will be more. This is considered to be an economical design for managing water.

2. Setting up of Wave Stones

Stones have been embedded at the inner part of the bank, to protect the bank from being affected by the tide of water, stagnant in the pond. These rocks protect the show from water erosion. These are called 'wave stones'.

3. Construction of Sluices

Water management was effectively carried out by constructing sluices on all three sides of the pond to transport water quickly and through short canals for irrigation.

5. The works to be done to build a pond

The steps involved in setting up a pond are explained in the following five steps.

Step 1: Setting up the pond.

Step 2: Setting up draining system for releasing the excess water.

Step 3: Making water inlets, sluices for releasing water for irrigation, water outlet from the drainage parts etc.,

Step 4: Making large tracts of land suitable for tillage for irrigation.

Step 5: Drilling wells to overcome water scarcity.

According to Sirupanchamoolam, one of the Pathinenkeelkannaku books one who performs the above 5 steps will go to heaven.

Proof: Sirupanchamoolam 64

It is certain from the above Sangam literature that during that era water bodies like lakes and ponds were built in large numbers and were maintained and protected in an excellent manner.

6. Tank Irrigation

It is estimated that there are more than 39,000 tanks and lakes in Tamil Nadu. They were created from the Sangam period till the entry of the British into our country. Ancient Tamils have used many technologies in lake irrigation. Some of them are described with proofs.

Proof

At Athur, 20 km away from Dindugal, three ponds namely Karunkulam, Pagaidai Kulam and Pulvettikulam are located at the same place.

Source: Ancient Wisdom - Irrigation Tanks - by S.M.Ratnavel and P. Gomathinayagam.

Among these three ponds, a large pond is divided into three by two cross banks. Each has a higher level than the other. The first pond has a higher ground level than the second pond and the second pond has a higher ground level than the third pond.

* Very high lands are irrigated using the first tank.

* The lands next to it are irrigated using the second tank.

* Very low lands are irrigated through the third tank.

Archaeologists consider that these ponds are more than 2100 years old. Old peoples' thazhis have been found near them. These ponds are still in use. These ponds are technologically sophisticated and many such Sangam lakes and ponds are still in use today.

7. Uses of Ponds

(i) Conservation and retention of water.

(ii) Flood control and expulsion of surplus water.

(iii) Prevention of drought and provision of water.

(iv) Raising the groundwater table.

(v) Protection of environment.

Among them, supplying water is the main use of the pond. So the structure of pond plays a major role.

8. Destruction of Ponds/Lakes

Lakes and ponds were built with great technology during the Sangam Period and their destruction was considered a great tragedy. This can be seen in the following Sangam verse of Pulavar Kabilar who lived in the 3rd Century BC.

Pari's Paramba Nadu was attacked and defeated by Moovendars. There was a pond in the country left unmaintained. This song tells about it.

Proof:

Kabilar laments that the small pond with curved banks and clear water resembling the eight day crescent on Pari's Parambu Hill with its sharp spear (Vel) and strong shoulders is deteriorating due to lack of protection. The tank which is crescent shaped has a short bank and a high capacity for water. Kabilar feels sad that such a special small pond is being ruined.

9. Conservation of Ponds

The Sanga poet Nakkannaiyar says that the Tamils excelled not only in creating water bodies but also protecting and maintaining them well.

Proof: Agananooru 252

The song conveys the message like this. The supervisor is protecting the large lake even in the midnight from the heavy rain without sleeping. The lady tells her friend that in the same way, goddess will protect her.

Meaning

There is an acute possibility for the lake (or) pond to break during heavy rains. At that time, it is very important to protect it from breaking. His job is to prevent it if it breaks down, and if lis job is that is not possible, he has to inform the authorities concerned for necessary arrangements; otherwise it will cause huge damage.

Therefore, it is necessary to protect the lake without sleeping during heavy rains and in the middle of the night. During the Sangam period, there was a formal system for the maintenance and protection of the lake banks, water draining areas, sluices, etc., and distribution of lake water for irrigation.

Most of the last ponds will have temples. Once the last pond Most of the last pond is full, Pooja, Abishekam, etc., will be done in it.