Rajasthan Water Conservation Model

Context

A sustainable and climate-resilient rural water conservation project using farm ponds has been implemented in Kukas village, Jaipur (Rajasthan). Spearheaded by IIT Kharagpur alumnus Vipra Goyal, the initiative aims to harvest 10 crore litres of monsoon runoff using 50 scientifically designed, plastic-lined ponds, enhancing irrigation, groundwater recharge, and farmer livelihoods.

1. Water Conservation Model

A rural water harvesting model using scientifically designed, plastic-lined farm ponds in Kukas village, Jaipur.
Designed to capture 10 crore litres of seasonal monsoon runoff.
Groundwater over-extraction in Jaipur: 22 times the recharge rate annually.

2. Climate Resilience

Farm ponds offer a viable and scalable climate-adaptive solution in arid regions with no river/canal networks.
Can help in groundwater recharge, mitigating droughts, and climate-proofing agriculture.

3. Agricultural Impact

Supports year-round irrigation for both Rabi and Kharif crops.
Promotes crop diversification into high-value horticulture and fodder crops.
Enables revival of livestock rearing and enhances agro-economy.

4. Institutional and Public Participation

Initiative led by IIT alumnus Vipra Goyal and supported by private sector CSR funding.
Community participation through gram sabhas and awareness campaigns strengthens local governance.

Water Conservation Methods in India:

Rajasthan and Gujarat

Talab/Bandhi:
- Man-made reservoirs for storing drinking water and domestic use.
- Found in water-scarce areas of Rajasthan.
Jhalaras:
- Rectangular step-wells, often near temples or forts.
- Designed to collect seepage from lakes or upstream reservoirs.
Baoli:
- Decorative stepwells with arches and artistic motifs.
- Socially inclusive; open to all communities.
Kund:
- Saucer-shaped catchments leading to a central well.
- Common in arid regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Bawari:
- Stepwells that divert runoff into artificial tanks using canals on slopes.
- Especially designed for hill terrains.
Taanka:
- Cylindrical underground pits, lined with lime or stone.
- Harvests rainwater from rooftops and prepared catchments in the Thar Desert.
Nadi:
- Village ponds to collect surface runoff.
- Acts as a community water source during dry periods.

Himalayan & Northeastern Regions

Bamboo Drip Irrigation (NE India):
- Indigenous technique using bamboo channels to transport water.
- Sustainable method using gravity flow from perennial springs.
Zings (Ladakh):
- Small, mud-lined tanks to store glacier meltwater.
- Supports irrigation in high-altitude areas.
Kuhls (Himachal Pradesh):
- Surface water channels drawing water from rivers/glaciers.
- Community-managed; supports irrigation in terraced fields.

Other Regions

Jackwells (Great Nicobar):
- Bamboo-lined pits that collect rainwater.
- Built using local wood and natural materials.
Ramtek Water Harvesting System (Maharashtra):
- Ancient network of tanks, both surface and underground.
- Connected via canals ensuring water flows from foothills to plains.