India’s Ancient Water Harvesting System

• 09 Dec 2024

For Prelims: Sri Krishna Devaraya, Nallamala Hills, Eastern Ghats, Kuruma Tribe, Baoli, Kuhls, Shompen Tribe, Great Nicobar Islands, Dholavira, Lothal, Arthashastra, Satavahanas, Chola Period, Feroze Shah Tughlaq, Jal Jeevan Mission, Jhalara, Ahar Pynes, Zing, Zabo. 

For Mains: Different methods of India’s Ancient Water Harvesting System. 

Why in News?

Recently, the Cumbum tank in Andhra Pradesh was in the news for its ancient water harvesting system. 

• Cumbum tank is a medium irrigation project which is the 2nd largest man-made reservoir in Asia and the 3rd largest in the world. 

What are the Key Points about the Cumbum Tank? 

• Construction: The tank was built by Vijayanagara Princess Varadharajamma (also known as Ruchidevi), the wife of Sri Krishna Devaraya during 1522-1524 AD. 
  • It was built by damming a gorge through which the Gundlakamma and Jampaleru rivers flow. 
• Geographical Features: The tank is fed by the Nallamallavagu, a stream originating from the Nallamala hills in the Eastern Ghats and is part of the Gundlakamma river system. 
• Technological and Indigenous Wisdom: British engineer Sir Arthur Cotton (pioneer of irrigation works in South India) observed that earthen bunds (embankments) built without reinforced or compacted banks have lasted effectively over time. 
  • Puddled bank is a vertical wall of clay between the original ground level, and any new material above. 
• Restoration Efforts: The Government of Andhra Pradesh, with support from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has modernized the tank.

What are India's Ancient Water Harvesting Systems?

Structure	Description	Region	Key Features
Baoli	Stepwell structure with arches, carved motifs, and rooms. Integral to urban water storage in low-rainfall areas.	Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka. E.g., Chandi Baori, Rajasthan, Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi	carvings, rooms, tiered steps, seasonal  water collection.
Jhalara	Rectangular stepwells with tiered steps on three or four sides, designed to collect water from reservoirs or lakes.	Rajasthan	Tiered steps, rectangular shape.
Talab/Bandhi	Medium-sized reservoirs, natural or human-made, regulating water flow and preventing flooding.	Various regions	Reservoirs, water flow regulation.
Taanka	Cylindrical underground pit paved to collect rainwater from rooftops or catchment areas.	Thar Desert, Rajasthan	Underground, cylindrical, paved.
Ahar Pynes	Reservoirs with embankments, built at the end of diversion channels for harvesting floodwater.	South Bihar	Embankments, floodwater harvesting.
Johads	Earthen storage pits made by excavating three-sided elevated areas, with soil used for the fourth side.	Various regions	Earthen pits, elevated area excavation.
Panam Keni	Cylindrical wells made with soaked toddy palm stems, considered sacred.	Wayanad, Kerala	Cylindrical, sacred, toddy palm stems.
Khadin (Dhora)	Long earthen embankments across hill slopes collecting surface runoff for agriculture.	Jaisalmer, Rajasthan	Earthen embankments, surface runoff collection.
Kund	Saucer-shaped catchment area with a central circular underground well, traditionally lined with lime and ash.	Various regions across India.	Catchment area, circular well, traditional lining.
Zing	Small tanks in Ladakh collect glacier meltwater, turning into streams by afternoon.	Ladakh	Small tanks, glacier water collection.
Kuhls	Surface water channels in Himachal Pradesh carrying glacial waters to fields.	Himachal Pradesh	Surface channels, glacial water.
Zabo	System in Nagaland combining water conservation with forestry, agriculture, and animal care.	Nagaland	Rainwater collection, pond-like structures, terraced hillsides.
Jackwells	Pits surrounded by bunds made of hardwood logs, practiced by the Shompen tribe.	Great Nicobar Islands	Pits, hardwood bunds.

Water Management in Indian History 

• Indus Valley Civilization: Dholavira had reservoirs to collect rainwater, while Lothal and Inamgaon had small bunds built to store water for irrigation and drinking. 
• Mauryan Empire: The Arthashastra of Kautilya records extensive irrigation systems, including dams and bunds, managed under strict regulations. 
  • Taxes were imposed based on the source and method of water extraction. 
• Early Medieval India: The Satavahanas introduced brick and ring wells. 
  • The Chola period saw advanced systems like chain tanks (interconnected tanks) for efficient water distribution. 
  • The Rajputs built large reservoirs, such as the Bhopal Lake under King Bhoja, while the Pal and Sen dynasties constructed numerous tanks and lakes in eastern India. 
• Medieval Period: Feroze Shah Tughlaq built the Western Yamuna Canal, while Emperor Shahjahan developed the Bari Doab or Hasli Canal. 
  • The Vijayanagar Kingdom constructed tanks like the Anantraj Sagar and Korangal Dam. 
  • Sultan Zain Uddin established an extensive canal network in Kashmir. 

What is a Water Harvesting System? 

• About: A water harvesting system refers to a technique or structure designed to capture, store, and use rainwater, surface runoff, or other sources of water for various purposes, such as agriculture, domestic use, and groundwater recharge.  
  • It is a sustainable water management practice aimed at conserving water and addressing water scarcity. 
• Types:  
  • Rainwater Harvesting (RWH): Collecting and storing rainwater through methods like rooftop collection and underground storage to conserve water. 
  • Groundwater Recharge Systems: Techniques such as recharge wells that allow rainwater to seep into the ground to maintain and improve groundwater levels. 
  • Surface Water Harvesting: Collecting rainwater from land or open fields using ponds and reservoirs for irrigation and other uses. 
  • Urban Water Harvesting: Capturing rainwater in cities from rooftops and surfaces to reduce pressure on municipal water systems and manage stormwater. 
• Significance:  
  • Reliable Water Source: Ensures a dependable water supply with minimal evaporation or pollution, suitable for daily use. Enhances groundwater quality and combats seawater intrusion in coastal areas. 
  • Flood Prevention: Reduces flood risk and water logging, protecting property and infrastructure. Protects the environment and property by minimizing erosion and flooding. 
  • Groundwater Recharge: Replenishes groundwater, enhancing availability during dry periods. Minimizes surface runoff, preserving soil and preventing sedimentation in water bodies. 
  • Sustainability: Supports water conservation and combats groundwater depletion amidst urbanization. 

What are India's Initiatives Related to Water Conservation? 

• National Water Policy, 2012 
• National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (NAQUIM) 
• Mission Amrit Sarovar 
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) 
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) 

Conclusion 

India's rich history in water harvesting, from ancient systems like Jhalaras and Baolis to modern initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission, highlights its deep-rooted expertise in sustainable water management. Both historical and contemporary approaches emphasize innovative water conservation, ensuring water accessibility and supporting agriculture in diverse climatic regions across the country. 

Drishti Mains Question:

Discuss the traditional water conservation methods practiced in different parts of India.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims

Q. What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’? (2014) 

1. Prevention of soil runoff 
2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers 
3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table 
4. Regeneration of natural vegetation 

Select the correct answer using the code given below:  

(a) 1 and 2 only  

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only  

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only  

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4  

Ans: (c)

Q. Which of the following practices can help in water conservation in agriculture? (2017) 

1. Reduced or zero tillage of the land
2. Applying gypsum before irrigating the field
3. Allowing crop residue to remain in the field

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (c)

Mains 

Q. What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (2019)

Q. “The ideal solution to depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system”. How can it be made effective in urban areas? (2018)

Q. Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India? (2013)