Traditional Rain Water Harvesting in the State of Rajasthan

Abstract

Water has been harvested in Rajasthan since antiquity, by our ancestors perfecting the art of water management. Many water harvesting structures and water conveyance systems, specific to the eco-regions and culture have been developed. Water conservation is a practice needed for daily uses of man, animals, vegetation and agriculture. In Rajasthan, various techniques are used to save water, which are practical and nature friendly. Even from before the age of Kalibangan civilization, till today many practices are seen in different parts of Rajasthan. There are many traditional practices used for conserving rain water; e.g. forts surrounded by water canals for protection from enemies (ikjs[k nqxZ). The civilians of state continue to build structures to collect and store the monsoon rain. Some unique water conservation techniques are still practiced in state and are efficient. These are sometimes better than the present-day water-saving techniques. The paper summarizes the transformation over the years in the construction and advancements of water conservation practices in Rajasthan. In dry regions, these practices have helped people survive tough times. Traditional methods may have a few challenges to overcome, but they have proven to be sustainable over a long period of time. In order to fight environmental degradation of the present and future, it is important to develop holistic and sustainable strategies, especially in vulnerable regions.