Rainwater harvesting systems for Vandalur zoo
CHENNAI: The Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur plans to set up rainwater harvesting systems, including small bunds and check dams, on its 1,265 acre campus.
Most of the present requirement of two lakh litres a day is met by the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD). The rest comes from 13 open wells, five borewells and a lake. During the monsoon, after these fill up, the excess water goes untapped. "Rainwater harvesting needs greater attention especially in zoos where a large number of species are maintained. It helps recharge the water table," said zoo director and chief conservator of forests KSSVP Reddy.
The existing rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems have to be repaired. The need to tap rainwater is felt especially in summer when the level in most wells goes down and the lake dries up. "Every year, a huge amount of rainwater goes untapped. RWH systems should not be restricted to houses and commercial buildings. Zoos too should have such systems," said Shekhar Raghavan, an RWH expert.
Apart from drinking, the zoo uses water to bathe animals, clean enclosures and keep the areas around them cool. Besides, an uninterrupted supply is also needed for the 16 toilets and nearly two dozen taps that serve visitors to the zoo.
Most of the present requirement of two lakh litres a day is met by the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD). The rest comes from 13 open wells, five borewells and a lake. During the monsoon, after these fill up, the excess water goes untapped. "Rainwater harvesting needs greater attention especially in zoos where a large number of species are maintained. It helps recharge the water table," said zoo director and chief conservator of forests KSSVP Reddy.
The existing rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems have to be repaired. The need to tap rainwater is felt especially in summer when the level in most wells goes down and the lake dries up. "Every year, a huge amount of rainwater goes untapped. RWH systems should not be restricted to houses and commercial buildings. Zoos too should have such systems," said Shekhar Raghavan, an RWH expert.
Apart from drinking, the zoo uses water to bathe animals, clean enclosures and keep the areas around them cool. Besides, an uninterrupted supply is also needed for the 16 toilets and nearly two dozen taps that serve visitors to the zoo.
