Harvesting Monsoon Rain in Educational Institution and Enriching the Water Table at Microlevel - A Case Study

S. Karpagam, B. Umamaheswari

Abstract: Ponds are among the most biodiverse and ecologically important freshwater habitats. They are the water harvesting units at microlevel and checks run off of the valuable soil nutrients. In addition, it serves as a recreational venue with supporting greenery. Climate change, adverse environmental challenges, increase in average global temperature are the problems that are interrelated and a global concern. The contributions at microlevel to the natural environment is more advantageous than the steps taken by the government and non governmental organisations (NGO) in largescale. This paper is aimed at the changes introduced in Queen Mary?s College campus in the last 3 years which contribute significantly to the natural conservation and biodiversity at microlevel. The ecopond constructed in 2022 as a salvage for water stagnation has increased the ground water level and nurtures the bird population during the monsoon, and also adds to the aesthetic beauty of the college campus. It serves as a model for freshwater ecosystem for environmental studies for the benefit of the students with theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Keywords: Ecopond, Green campus, rainwater harvesting, ground water, sustainability