Rainwater Harvesting Techniques
This section explores the critical methods of rainwater harvesting that serve as viable solutions to the growing concerns of water scarcity. Despite the earth being abundant in water, only a small percentage is freshwater available for use, leading to issues of scarcity in many regions. Rainwater harvesting, with its historical roots in ancient India, is revisited as an effective means to manage these vital resources.
In various regions, techniques such as rooftop rainwater harvesting, ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ for diversion in hilly areas, and storage structures like ‘tankas’ in Rajasthan are discussed. The section also points out contemporary adaptations of these methods, emphasizing their significance in modern water conservation practices, particularly in drought-prone areas.
Examples include Tamil Nadu's legal mandate for rainwater harvesting systems in homes and successful deployments in rural areas, such as Gendathur in Karnataka. This highlights how ancient practices are re-emerging in response to modern challenges, illustrating the necessity for integrated water management in a world facing severe water shortages.