Let’s look at some traditional and innovative water conservation methods prevalent in India.
• Bawdi/ Jhalara
Built in India since ancient times, the rectangular-shaped stepwells are used for collecting the subterranean seepage of an upstream reservoir or a lake.
• Bamboo drip irrigation
An innovation of north eastern states, this technique taps spring water to irrigate agricultural fields. It is practiced in hilly areas where stony terrain does not allow construction of ground channels.
• Talab/ Bandhi
These are indigenously built reservoirs to store water to be used for household consumption and drinking purposes.
• Taanka
It is a traditional rainwater harvesting technique indigenous to Thar desert, Rajasthan.
The cylindrical paved underground collects rainwater which can last throughout the dry season for the entire household.
• Johads
One of the oldest systems prevalent in India, these are small earthen check dams to capture and store rainwater. They help conserve and recharge ground water.
• Zings
Found in Ladakh, these are small tanks that collect melting glacier water; which is used to meet agricultural needs.
