Recorded evidence of rainwater harvesting in India dates back to pre-Harappan and Harappan periods of civilizations that existed 6000 years ago and today we are seen reinventing the wheel, struggling to optimize usage of water resources and conserve rainwater. Archeological excavations in the Northern and Western India revealed rainwater harvesting structures, some of which were constructed during the Mughal era. These ancient structures of bunds, water channels and air shafts continue to serve the purpose till date and steps have been taken to augment and preserve them.
A standing example of such ancient systems can be seen at the Humayun's tomb, Delhi, where one finds water wells and water channels constructed around the main structure. UNESCO declared this monument a world heritage site, which was restored using private funds, a project that was completed in March 2003 under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India. It revitalized the existing water channels by desilting the wells at the site to recreate one of the largest rainwater harvesting systems in India.
The Water Channel: Resource on water management
In the year 2001, the State of Tamilnadu declared as mandatory the incorporation of rainwater harvesting system in all the construction and development plans submitted to the relevant statutory authority for sanction and approval. Successive governments did not fail in their efforts to implement this requirement without making it a political casualty.
Sand dam technique to harvest water in semi-arid countries
No comments:
Post a Comment