Concept:
Ponding in a trickling filter occurs due to clogging of the filter media by excessive biological growth, suspended solids, and accumulated slime.
The common methods adopted to remove ponding are:
• Raking the filter media.
• Chlorination to control biological growth.
Step 1: Understand the cause of ponding.
Ponding results from blockage of the voids between the filter media.
This prevents wastewater from flowing freely.
Step 2: Identify the corrective measures.
Raking loosens the clogged media, while chlorination reduces excessive slime growth.
Hence,
\[
\boxed{\text{Ponding is controlled by raking and chlorination}.}
\]
Therefore, the correct option is
\[
\boxed{(D)\;\text{Raking and chlorination}.}
\]