Rainwater harvesting, a time-honoured practice: Need for revival

摘要

'Rainwater harvesting' and 'groundwater recharge' are now two catchwords which are commonly used by most people, without realising their full significance. Harvesting of rainwater through impounding it where it falls by means of ponds, check dams and in large-sized tanks is a well-understood technique practised for at least the last 1000 years. The landscape, especially of South India, is virtually studded with such structures. Unfortunately, village communities deprived of ownership rights have lost all interest in their upkeep, with the result that the tanks have remained neglected, become filled with silt and incapable of harvesting water to any significant extent.