Nestled on the border of Rewadi and Gurugram districts are the Chowki Ponds. These two water bodies, Chowki Pond 1 (3.5 acres) and Chowki Pond 2 (0.47 acres), are separated by a partition bund or a tree platform with native trees such as neem and peepal.
Chowki Pond 1 has two primary inlets in its southeast and northeast. The southeast inlet is runoff from nearby agricultural fields that replenishes the pond with nutrient-rich water. While the northeast inlet brings water from the Yamuna River Canal, providing a consistent flow during drier periods. Together, these inlets ensure a steady water supply and are vital for the pond’s water replenishment and the region’s water management.
Why the name ‘Chowki’?
In local parlance, the word “Chowki” translates to a booth station. During colonial rule, a booth station was stationed nearby to keep a watchful eye on the area. Thus, the pond came to be known as Chowki Pond—a name rooted in history and one that continues to linger through the passage of time. However, today the pond’s importance is not just historical but ecological.
Pond Problems: From Weeds to Woes
Chowki Pond 1, with its 3.5-acre expanse, was once a body of water with an uneven lake bed, marked by depressions and excavated soil. This surface bed was loaded with Nutrient Muck and silt. The pond was overrun by territorial weeds, especially Prosopis juliflora– the water guzzler.
Restoration Efforts Turn the Tide
The restoration of Chowki Pond 1 began with the removal of approximately two tonnes of Prosopis juliflora. Over 7,000 cubic meters of accumulated silt was removed for an average depth of 2 feet.
The excavated silt was repurposed for the construction of bunds— that now stand at a height of around 14 to 18 feet and a width of 12 feet. These bunds serve as barriers, preventing further erosion and helping to retain water within the pond.
Chowki Pond 1 Brims with Water
Chowki Pond 1‘s restoration has had a direct and positive impact on the groundwater levels in the region. As the pond has regained its capacity to store and hold water, it now recharges groundwater. The pond devoid of silt can now absorb and store more water from the canal to facilitate the water needs of the local community.
Chowki Pond 2: The Next Chapter
At Chowki Pond 2, restoration efforts are ongoing with the creation and strengthening of embankments. A sloped surface is being implemented on top of the bunds, as opposed to the traditional flat surface. This design is aimed at preventing waterlogging on the embankments, which can lead to cracks and potholes. By reducing water retention, the sloped surface also minimizes weed growth and erosion, as water will naturally flow downward into the pond.
Through careful desilting, deweeding, and the innovative design of embankments, these ponds are being transformed into vital water reservoirs that not only serve the local community but also support the region’s groundwater recharge.
Volunteer for India and her Environment with E.F.I