Interlinking ponds - Water conservation at Bellary fort

This article describes the efforts of Tipu Sultan to conserve water by building ponds on the top of hills, a traditional water conservation technique, which stands the risk of extinction today and needs to be revived. History records Tipu Sultan as one of the finest generals in South India. Yet it is a little known fact that the well-being of his soldiers was of prime importance to Tipu. His focused efforts to conserve water at the top of the 50 foot tall hill of Bellary bear testimony to the measures that he took to ensure that his soldiers and the royal family were not effected by shortage of water.

Located in the centre of the district is a huge 50-foot high hill where Tipu built a fort which spread over five acres. Within this area, there were 40 structures resembling ponds which were open to the skies. Rainwater was allowed to collect in these ponds. Though each pond was independent, yet these were interlinked by man-made canals. The water collected in these ponds was sufficient to meet the water needs of over 1000 people. Even if a battle lasted for months or even years, the water was sufficient for the soldiers and members of the royal family. Once the ponds were full, the excess water was allowed to flow downhill, through specially laid man-made canals. These canals led into a big pond located at the foot of the hill.

Apart from this, the water that flowed downhill was also allowed to collect in a well in the soldier’s camp in Devi Nagar called Basavana Kunte. Located near the then district headquarters, this well also met the water needs of the city. So skilled was the technology used for construction, that even today the canals which were designed for the outflow from the interlinked ponds can be found along the ramparts of the fort.

However the outstanding example for water conservation on top of the hill at Bellary was not used by Tipu for long. Being an astute general, Tipu was aware of the need to keep his movements stealthy. He chose another hill near the Bellary fort hill which had a lower altitude. However, this provided a vantage point for the enemy’s soldier’s to spy on the movements of Tipu’s army. Tipu realised that the number of soldiers, stocks of arms and ammunition, food and water supply could all be monitored from the higher attitude nearby.

Over the last hundred years, the conditions of the ponds has deteriorated and today the ponds are choking with filth and garbage. No water collects in these ponds and outflow too has stopped. A detailed plan to revive the ponds and encourage participation of several organizations to partner in the effort were made.The work of dredging was taken up to remove the garbage from the ponds. Cement bags, sand, bricks and other construction material was transported on mule back to the top of the fort. However, the project was left incomplete and the ponds continue to be neglected.

The article ends by identifying the urgent need to revive this traditional technique of water conservation by encouraging efforts to restore these ponds.

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