India has a rich history of traditional water conservation systems, designed using local wisdom, geography, and climate. Structures like stepwells, tanks, and johads are classic examples of sustainable water management practices that have helped communities thrive, especially in water-scarce regions.
1. Stepwells (Baolis or Vavs)
- Found mainly in Gujarat and Rajasthan, stepwells are deep wells with steps leading down to the water.
- Purpose: Store water for drinking, irrigation, and domestic use during dry months.
- Contribution:
- Prevent water evaporation due to underground design.
- Recharge groundwater as water slowly seeps through surrounding soil layers.
- Acted as social gathering places, spreading awareness about water value.
2. Tanks and Kunds
- Artificial ponds or reservoirs constructed to collect surface runoff, especially in southern India and hilly areas.
- Purpose: Store excess rainwater for use in agriculture, livestock, and domestic needs.
- Contribution:
- Prevent flooding by capturing runoff.
- Help in groundwater recharge by allowing slow infiltration.
- Support biodiversity and act as micro-climate stabilizers.
3. Johads
- Small earthen check dams used in Rajasthan to capture and store rainwater.
- Built using local materials like soil and stones.
- Contribution:
- Raise the groundwater level by allowing water to percolate.
- Revive dried wells and borewells in nearby villages.
- Restore ecological balance and support farming in drought-prone regions.
4. Common Benefits of Traditional Systems
- Low-cost, eco-friendly, and easy to maintain.
- Built with community participation, promoting collective responsibility.
- Based on local geography, making them highly efficient and sustainable.
- Complement modern techniques like check dams and rainwater harvesting.