WATER CONSERVATION IN RAJASTHAN

Water conservation is crucial in regions like Rajasthan, where arid and semi-arid conditions prevail. The effective management of water resources is vital for sustaining life, agriculture, and ecosystems. Water conservation refers to the strategies and techniques employed to control the wastage of water, limit its excessive use, and optimize the efficiency of water systems.

Overview of Water Conservation

Water conservation involves two main strategies:

1. Controlling wasted running water – Preventing the loss of water through leaks, unregulated use, or inefficiencies.
2. Limiting the use of water – Reducing the consumption of water in households, agriculture, and industry through optimized practices.

Water Management Techniques

Water management techniques in Rajasthan are categorized into two broad categories:

1. Traditional Techniques – These methods are time-tested, environmentally friendly, and have been used for centuries in Rajasthan’s water-scarce regions. They focus on local resources and community knowledge.
2. Modern Techniques – These methods involve the use of advanced technology and infrastructure for water conservation, ensuring higher efficiency and larger-scale water storage.

Traditional Water Conservation Techniques

1. Nadi: Nadi is a traditional water storage system, particularly prevalent in western Rajasthan. A Nadi is essentially a large, shallow pond that collects rainwater during the monsoon season. It plays a critical role in meeting the drinking water needs of the rural population, especially in desert regions.

• Historical Significance: The first recorded Nadi in Rajasthan was constructed in 1520, illustrating the long history of indigenous water conservation methods.
• Water Storage and Usage: Nadis are primarily used for drinking water but can also support limited agricultural activities.

2. Toba: Toba is a type of water reservoir designed to capture water from Nadis. The water stored in Tobas is primarily used for irrigation and drinking purposes.

• Deep Water Harvesting: Tobas are effective for harvesting deep water, especially in desert areas where surface water is scarce.
• Water Utility: The stored water serves multiple purposes, including irrigation for crops and water supply for livestock.

3. Bawdi (Stepwells): Bawdis are intricately designed stepwells that not only serve as functional water reservoirs but also represent a significant aspect of Rajasthan’s architectural heritage.

• Design: Stepwells are characterized by a series of steps that descend to the water level, allowing easy access to water even as the water table fluctuates.
• Regional Significance: Many Bawdis are located in Bundi, which is known as the “City of Stepwells.” These structures have historically served as communal spaces where people could gather, bathe, and collect water.

Major Stepwells (Bawdis) in Rajasthan

4. Jhalra: Jhalras are rectangular pools that serve the purpose of water storage. These structures receive water from lakes or ponds and have a significant cultural value, particularly in religious contexts.

• Usage: The water collected in Jhalras is used for bathing during religious rituals.
• Non-potable: Jhalra water is not used for drinking purposes due to its nature of collection and exposure.

5. Khadin: Khadin is a water-harvesting technique developed by the Paliwal Brahmins in western Rajasthan. It involves creating a temporary water lake to collect and store rainwater for agricultural use.

• Location: Khadins are particularly common in northern Jaisalmer.
• Agricultural Benefits: The water collected in Khadins helps irrigate land that would otherwise remain dry in the arid climate of Rajasthan.

6. Beri/Kui: Beri or Kui refers to small, shallow pits dug for water storage. These structures are often circular and less deep than wells. They are common in western Rajasthan, particularly in the international border areas of Jaisalmer and Bikaner.

• Source of Water: Beris rely on groundwater or water from nearby ponds and Johads.
• Importance: Beris are critical for sustaining rural populations and agricultural activity in desert regions.

7. Tanka/Kund: Tankas or Kunds are circular underground water storage structures, often built in homes or public places. They are covered from above to prevent evaporation, and rainwater is stored in them for drinking purposes.

• Use in Homes: Tankas are widely used for storing clean drinking water in households across Rajasthan.
• Structure: These tanks are lined with stone or cement to ensure the purity and longevity of the stored water.

8. Johad: Johads are small, earthen check dams designed to collect and store rainwater. They are built in sloping areas where the runoff can flow into a low-lying area.

• Regional Focus: Johads are particularly prevalent in the Shekhawati region, where they are considered raw water wells.
• Revival Efforts: The system of Johad has been revived by environmental activist Shri Rajendra Singh of Alwar, famously known as the “Johad Wale Baba.” His efforts earned him the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award.

9. Pond: Ponds are artificial or natural water reservoirs that serve both agricultural and drinking purposes. They are commonly expanded in areas where water storage is necessary.

• Area of Expansion: In Rajasthan, pond expansion can cover anywhere between one and two hectares.
• Significance: Ponds are a vital source of water for irrigation and livestock in rural communities.

10. Lake: Lakes are large water bodies formed by rainwater and river water, often surrounded by terrestrial parts. They are essential for large-scale irrigation, drinking water, and biodiversity conservation in Rajasthan.

• Key Location: Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes,” has the highest number of lakes in Rajasthan.
• Significant Initiative: The National Lake Conservation Project was initiated on 1st April 2016 to conserve five lakes in Rajasthan, including Pichhola, Fateh Sagar, Nakki, Pushkar, and Anasagar. The funding model for this project involves a 60:40 budget split between the Centre and the State.

Major Ponds in Rajasthan

1. Padam Talab, Junglee Pond, Kala Talab, and Sukh Talab – Ranthambore.
2. Sareri and Khari Talab – Bhilwara (Bhilwara is known for the maximum use of ponds for irrigation).

Modern Water Conservation Techniques

1. Dams: Dams are large-scale modern infrastructures built across rivers to store and manage water. The construction of dams in Rajasthan has been vital in controlling floods, ensuring water supply during dry seasons, and supporting agricultural irrigation.

• Functions: Dams stop flowing water, creating reservoirs that can be used to supply water throughout the year.
• Significant Dams in Rajasthan:
  • Bisalpur Dam (Tonk district) provides drinking water to Jaipur.
  • Rana Pratap Sagar Dam on the Chambal River supports hydroelectric power generation and irrigation.

2. Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation: These modern techniques are used in agriculture to conserve water by directly delivering water to the roots of plants (drip irrigation) or sprinkling it over crops (sprinkler irrigation). These methods are highly efficient, reducing water wastage and ensuring optimal water use for agricultural productivity.

• Narmada Canal Area: This technique has been compulsorily implemented in this area of Rajasthan to conserve water.
• Adopted from Israel: These techniques have been inspired by Israel’s innovative water conservation methods.

Water conservation in Rajasthan is a blend of traditional wisdom and modern technology. While traditional methods like Nadis, Bawdis, and Tobas are environmentally sustainable and cost-effective, modern techniques like dams and drip irrigation offer scalable solutions for the growing demand for water in agriculture and urban areas. Combining these approaches can ensure sustainable water management in the face of Rajasthan’s growing population and water challenges.

The effective use of natural water bodies, traditional storage systems, and advanced irrigation techniques is essential in addressing the challenges of water scarcity. Through government initiatives such as the National Lake Conservation Project and Jal Swavlamban Yojana, Rajasthan has taken strides towards sustainable water management, ensuring that both rural and urban populations can benefit from these resources.

Comparison of Traditional and Modern Water Management Techniques

IMPORTANT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND POLICIES

Atal Ground Water Scheme

• Launch Date: 1st April 2020.
• Purpose: This scheme was designed to stop the declining levels of groundwater, a critical issue in Rajasthan and other Indian states, by promoting better management of groundwater resources. This is especially crucial in arid states like Rajasthan, where groundwater is often the primary source of water.
• Cooperation: The scheme is implemented in cooperation between the Government of India and the World Bank, with a 50:50 cost-sharing mechanism. This partnership underscores the global importance of water conservation and the need for sustainable solutions.
• States Covered: Rajasthan is one of seven states where the Atal Ground Water Scheme has been implemented. Other states include Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

Objective: This initiative focuses on replenishing groundwater through improved water harvesting techniques, better irrigation practices, and local involvement in water conservation efforts. The program seeks to educate rural communities on sustainable water use, ensuring long-term availability.

State Water Policy (2010)

• Launch Date: 18th February 2010.
• Objective: The policy outlines a prioritized order of water availability in Rajasthan. This policy serves to manage scarce water resources efficiently, giving priority to human drinking water needs, followed by animal drinking water, domestic supply, and agricultural requirements.

The policy also encourages equitable distribution of water resources, promoting community participation in the management of water bodies, and emphasizes the need for integrated water resource management.

Ground Water Resources Assessment (2020)

The Ground Water Resources Assessment Report (2020) provides a detailed analysis of the water situation in Rajasthan. The report classifies the state’s “water blocks” into different categories based on their groundwater usage levels.

• Over Exploited: Of the 295 “water-blocks” in Rajasthan, a staggering 203 are classified as “over-exploited,” meaning they use more groundwater than is replenished naturally. This poses a severe threat to water sustainability in the state.
• Critical: 23 blocks fall under the critical category, with groundwater usage ranging between 90-100%.
• Semi-Critical: 29 blocks are semi-critical, using 70-90% of their available groundwater resources.
• Safe: Only 37 blocks are classified as safe, meaning they use less than 70% of their groundwater resources.
• Saline: 3 blocks have saline groundwater, which is unfit for most types of agricultural and drinking purposes.

International Water Day

• Date: 22nd March every year.
• Theme (2021): “Valuing Water.” International Water Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of water conservation and sustainable water management. Rajasthan actively participates in this initiative by promoting awareness campaigns and engaging communities in water-saving practices.

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act – 1974

• This legislation is one of India’s cornerstone laws for preventing water pollution. It provides guidelines for controlling and preventing pollution in water bodies and ensuring that industries, municipalities, and citizens comply with water-quality standards. Rajasthan’s water conservation efforts must also align with this act to prevent contamination of the limited water resources available in the state.

Rajasthan has a diverse and evolving water conservation framework that combines traditional wisdom with modern initiatives. With a large number of its water blocks classified as over-exploited or critical, the state faces significant challenges in maintaining groundwater levels. However, with comprehensive programs such as the Atal Ground Water Scheme and various water conservation initiatives like the Swajal Dhara Project and Jal Swavlamban Yojana, Rajasthan is making strides toward sustainable water management.

The Groundwater Resources Assessment of 2020 underscores the urgent need for more sustainable practices, community involvement, and the continued implementation of both modern and traditional water conservation techniques.