Traditional rainwater harvesting in India

This document describes the historical development of traditional rainwater harvesting systems used in India. The document informs that traditionally Indians worshipped both water and rain as “Jala” and “Varuna”. Even rivers were worshipped. Till 3000 B.C., RWH happened without human effort as rain got collected in rivers and natural depressions. Civilizations flourished on river banks all over the world Indus valley civilization in India.

From 3000 B.C. to 1800 A.D., RWH happened with human effort. Indians harvested rainwater using different methods. These methods depended on local conditions. However, Since 1800 A.D. traditional systems of RWH began to deteriorate. The reasons included:

• Lack of understanding of these systems by the British during their rule till 1947
• British wanted to be the provider of water and took over the management and ownership of water bodies.
• This attitude continued by our Indian rulers even after independence – 1947.
• Increase in urbanization lead to destruction of water bodies.
• Lack of awareness and apathetic attitude of urbanites

This document is based on information received from Shri. Shekhar Raghavan of the Akash Ganga Trust, Chennai.

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