Question

"Rain-water harvesting has been practised through various methods by different communities in the country." Justify the statement.

Answer 1

1. Traditional rainwater harvesting in rural areas is done by using surface storage bodies, like lakes, ponds, irrigation tanks, etc.
2. In Rajasthan, rainwater harvesting structures locally known as Kund or Tanka (a covered underground tank) are constructed near or in the house or village to store harvested rainwater.
3. Groundwater recharge and storage using various techniques, such as percolation tanks, are all part of rainwater harvesting through watershed management by preventing runoff.
4. Harvesting through lakes (Eris): During the rainy season, lakes can hold a lot of river water.
5. To ensure long-term sustainability, harvesting through recharge and service wells by manipulating the groundwater.