A Historical and Functional Asset
The village pond in Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka holds a special place in the community’s history and daily life. Situated at the edge of the village, this pond has long been a key feature of the village’s water system, evolving in its role over time, yet continuing to serve the community in important ways.
A Historical Role
In times past, the pond primarily served as a reservoir for rainwater, collecting the seasonal rainfall that would otherwise have flowed away. The villagers used the pond not only for watering their crops but also for bathing and washing their livestock. It was a hub of activity, where families would gather to tend to their animals and use the water for their daily needs.
The pond played a critical role in the sustainable water management of the village, offering a reliable source of fresh water during the monsoon season. It was an essential part of the village’s agricultural cycle, providing water for both household and agricultural use.
The Changing Role of the Pond
Over the years, however, the role of the pond has changed due to the village’s growing population and the increased complexity of modern infrastructure. Today, the pond no longer functions as a collection point for rainfall but instead serves as the repository for the village’s sewage water. All the waste water from the village’s sewage system flows into the pond, where it is eventually channeled through a drainage system into a nearby khal (drain).
This drainage system plays an important role in the village’s irrigation. Once the water flows from the pond into the khal, it is directed to the Jahangir Canal system, where it helps irrigate the surrounding agricultural fields, ensuring that crops receive sufficient water for cultivation.
While this shift in the function of the pond may not be ideal in terms of water quality, it nonetheless plays an important role in the village’s water management system, acting as a transitional holding point before the water is directed to more useful purposes in agriculture.
Future Considerations and Improvements
As the village continues to grow and develop, there is a need for improving the management of the pond and the waste water it holds. Ideally, steps will be taken to reduce pollution and improve the overall health of the pond and its water. There may be potential for eco-friendly solutions, such as the introduction of water treatment systems or creating a sustainable filtration process, to make the water more usable and less harmful to the environment.
Additionally, considering the historical significance of the pond as a gathering place for the community, there may be efforts to revitalize it, turning it into a space that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes—perhaps with eco-friendly practices that can turn it into a natural reservoir that enhances both the environment and the daily lives of the people in the village.
Conclusion
The village pond remains a central part of life in Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka, its role having evolved with the changing needs of the village. Once a simple water reservoir, it now serves a key function in the irrigation system that sustains the village’s agricultural activities. As the community looks towards the future, the pond could be an area for potential improvement, ensuring that it continues to serve both ecological and functional purposes for generations to come.
