Termite mounds as hydrologic indicators - Case studies from three taluks of Coimbatore district - Tamil Nadu

This paper describes the findings of a study that was conducted to validate the findings of earlier studies and observations that have been conducted in ancient texts in India that describe termite mounds as useful indicators for groundwater exploration.

Termite mounds have been referred to in ancient Sanskrit works, as a possible tool for ground water exploration. They are most useful for ground water prospecting especially in the hard rock areas where there is no well or the lithology of the area is not known. Geobotanical indicators (presence of certain plant species) in association with termite mounds also serve the purpose with encouraging results.

In this research study, set in Coimbatore district, about 24 bore wells were drilled near termite mounds, of which about 21 yielded copious water in the range of 130-500 litres per minute, and 3 yielded 85 litres per minute. This is a good success rate, considering the hard rock terrain and drought prone nature of the study area.

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