India restores ancient water systems (stepwells)
5 hours ago
- India is reviving ancient water harvesting structures like stepwells and johads to address water scarcity exacerbated by climate change.
- The restoration of Moosi Rani Sagar stepwell in Alwar has successfully stored water year-round after being defunct for decades.
- Traditional systems effectively slow water runoff, allowing groundwater recharge, unlike modern dams and borewells.
- Community-led initiatives, such as those by Tarun Bharat Sangh, have restored thousands of structures, reviving rivers and aquifers.
- Colonial and post-independence policies neglected these systems, but recent government programs now support their revival.
- The key to success is civic engagement, regular maintenance, and political will to sustain traditional water management.