Explain the different form of water conservation in Rajasthan.

Water conservation refers to the prevention of wastage of rainwater and storing it by the construction of dams, canals, lakes, etc., in order to use it in times of need.

The different forms of water conservation in Rajasthan are as follows:

Traditional methods:

1. Stepwells:

a. Stepwells are structures in which water is stored underground and could be reached by climbing down a number of steps.

b. There are huge chambers with pillars that are intricately carved.

c. Water stored in the stepwell is also used for irrigation purpose.

d. This water is used for drinking purposes during summer.

e. The stepwells are cool during summer.

f. Some of the important stepwells in Rajasthan are Tapi stepwells of Jodhpur, Bhandarej stepwell of Dausa, Vinata stepwell of Chittor and Chand stepwell of Abhaneri.

2. Ponds:

a. Water collected in ponds is the main source of water for the livestock.

b. Ponds are mostly built near the temples or places of religious sentiments.

c. Hence, people volunteer themselves for the maintenance of these ponds.

d. Some of the important ponds in Rajasthan are Hemawas pond in Pali, Saleri and Meja pond in Bhilwara, Banakia and Senapani pond in Chittoor.

3. Lakes:

a. Lakes were constructed by the kings, traders, and banjaras.

b. These lakes are the main sources of conservation of rainwater.

c. The lakes and the canals dug from these lakes serve as a source of water for irrigation.

d. Anasagar lake of Ajmer, Pichola and Fatehsagar lakes of Udaipur, Talchappar of Churu, Tordi Sagar of Tonk, etc., are some important lakes.

4. Nadi:

a. Nadis are the village ponds.

b. They are mostly found in Western Rajasthan.

c. Nadis are used to store rainwater.

d. These are found in dune areas and sandy plains.

e. Nadis are usually 4 to 5 meters deep.

f. Hence, the quantity of rainwater that can be stored in nadis is relatively less.

5. Tanka:

a. Tankas are the cylindrical structures which are usually 4 to 5 metres deep.

b. The upper side of the tankas is usually covered with stone.

c. These tankas are used for harvesting the rainwater.

d. Most of the tankas in Rajasthan are built under Jal Swavlamban Scheme.

e. Tankas are the methods of water conservation.

6. Johad:

a. Johads are the water conservation sources that are owned by communities.

b. The Johads are used for recharging the groundwater and also for other domestic purposes.

c. Johads are dug out in areas where the accumulation of rainwater is possible.

7. Beri:

a. Beris are small wells which are 5 to 6 meters deep and whose circumference measures 2 to 3 feet.

b. The walls of these beris are constructed using stones.

c. The water stored is used during the summer season.

d. Beris are commonly found in Barmer and Jaisalmer.

8. Khadins:

a. In this method, concrete or mud wall is erected to collect water that flows through the hills.

b. The excess water is used to irrigate the adjoining land areas.

c. The water thus conserved by this khadin system helps to maintain the humidity.

d. This also helps in the conservation of soil.

e. This system helps in the cultivation of Rabi and Kharif crops.

f. This method of water conservation helps in the supply of drinking water during summers.

Modern methods:

Modern methods of water conservation include construction of dams and canals under various multi-purpose projects. Some of the important projects in Rajasthan include:

a. Jakham project

b. Som-Amba-Kamala project

c. Meja dam

d. Sidhmukh project

e. Narmada project

f. Jawai dam project

g. Panchana dam

Major multi-purpose projects include:

a. Bhakra Nangal Project

b. Hirakud Project

c. Damodar project

d. Indira Gandhi canal project

e. Chambal valley project.

These are the different methods of water conservation in Rajasthan.