In a time when plastic liners have become the default solution for building farm ponds, one man in Jharkhand is quietly proving that water can still be held the old-fashioned way — by trusting the land itself.
Dr Ramakantha, known for his work in natural farming and indigenous water conservation methods, has been demonstrating how ponds can retain water without relying on plastic sheets or synthetic materials. His approach is simple, local, and rooted in knowledge that comes directly from the soil and the surrounding forest.
interesting is what comes next.
Instead of lining the pond with plastic, the process begins with black cotton soil. This heavy, clay-rich soil is carefully packed at the base of the pond to reduce seepage and create a natural seal. Its dense texture helps slow water loss and forms the foundation of the system.
But what makes the method especially interesting is what comes next.
Sal leaves, castor leaves and black cotton soil
A layer of sal leaves is spread across the pond base, acting as a natural barrier. In some cases, wild castor leaves are added in multiple layers to further strengthen water retention. These materials are not expensive or difficult to source — they are often already available in and around rural landscapes.
The method is shaped not by technology, but by observation. It comes from understanding how soil behaves, how leaves decompose, and how traditional communities have managed water for generations without manufactured inputs.
For farmers, this also means lower costs and less dependence on external materials. There is no need to purchase plastic liners that can tear, degrade over time, or create waste later.
More importantly, it offers a reminder that sustainability does not always require something new. Sometimes, the most effective solutions are the ones that have existed quietly for years, waiting to be noticed again.
In villages where every drop of stored water matters, this approach is more than a technique — it is proof that nature often provides the answer, if we are willing to look closely enough.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thebetterindia.com
