Water Conservation- Traditional Methods
Today, we live in cities with facilities such as accessibility to water and power backup. Nevertheless, in the course of making life a little easier or offering these services, we have forgotten that every move we take has an ecological footprint. When it comes to water conservation, in recent years the demand-supply gap has grown as a result of rapid urbanization, which has resulted in water scarcity and an increase in the number of polluted water bodies.
If we look back through the ancient Indian History, there have been times when civilization was frequently affected by floods and drought. Perhaps this has been why every region has its own traditional water conservation techniques due to its unique topography and cultural factors. The fundamental idea was to do rainwater harvesting. Archaeological evidence reveals ancient India’s deep-rooted knowledge and excellent water engineering.
Let’s have a look at some of the water conservation methods adopted across the country-
Zing (Ladakh)-Zings are small tanks found in Ladakh that collect melting glacier water. Water is transported from the glacier to the tank via a network of guiding channels. The glacier’s melting waters begin as a trickle in the morning and turn into a flowing stream by the afternoon. The water is collected in the evening and used in the fields the next day.
Kuhls (Himachal Pradesh)- Kuhls are surface water channels found in Himachal Pradesh’s hilly regions. The channels carry glacial waters into the fields from rivers and streams. The Kuhls were created either by public donations or by royal monarchs and are an important cultural tradition.
Apatani (Arunachal Pradesh)- It’s a multipurpose water management technique that protects soil erosion, conserves water for irrigation, and promotes paddy-cum-fish culture by integrating land, water, and farming systems. This is wet rice cultivation and fish farming system used in elevations of around 1600 meters with an average annual rainfall of about 1700 mm and abundant water resources such as springs and streams.
Zabo (Nagaland)- Nagaland’s Zabo or Ruza system integrates water conservation, forestry, agriculture, and animal care. Rainwater gathered on forested hilltops is channelled into pond-like structures built on terraced slopes. The channels also flow past cattle yards, collecting animal waste before eventually winding their way into paddy fields at the foot of the hill. Ponds dug up in rice fields are then utilized to raise fish and cultivate medicinal herbs.
Ahar Pynes (South Bihar) — Ahars are reservoirs with three-sided embankments constructed at the end of diversion channels like pynes. Pynes are man-made small streams that branch off from rivers to collect water in ahars for irrigation during the dry season. Ahar pynes are used mostly for paddy farming in this low-rainfall region.
Bawaris (Rajasthan) — Bawaris are one-of-a-kind step-wells that were once part of Rajasthan’s historic water storage networks. The region’s little rainfall would be redirected to man-made tanks via canals built on the hilly edges of cities. The water would then enter the soil, raising the water table and replenishing a vast network of aquifers. A system of layered steps was created around the reservoirs to narrow and deepen the wells, reducing water loss through evaporation.
Eri/ Ooranis (Tamil Nadu) — Tamil Nadu’s Eri (tank) system is one of India’s oldest water management systems. Eris are still frequently utilised in the state to manage floods, minimise soil erosion and runoff during seasons of heavy rains, and recharge groundwater. Eris can either be a system fed by channels that divert rainwater or a non-system where it is fed only by rain. The tanks are connected to allow access to the farthest village and to keep the water level balanced in the event of an excess supply.
Surangam (Kerala)- Surangams are equivalent to qanats, which existed around 700 BC in Mesopotamia and Babylon. Egyptian civilization, Persia (now Iran), and India were all using this innovation by 714 BC. The cost of digging a surangam is the sole expense required, as it requires very little maintenance. It was traditionally excavated at a slow pace, taking generations to finish. A horizontal well that’s generally dug in laterite rock formations. The digging continues until a significant amount of water is struck. Water seeps through the tunnel and out of the hard rock. Outside of the surangam, this water is normally gathered in an open pit.
Check out our other articles: Water Revolution- Projects & Initiatives in India, Increasing Water Footprint- A concern for all!
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