Waternama

This article describes a water source commonly found in Karnataka called as the Talaparige. The word talaparige is used for the point where water springs out from sandy soil. This is a unique water source that gets activated only when the tank dries up. Talapariges were major sources of water supply in the hilly areas of Tumkur, Chitradurga and Kolar districts. Once revered and celebrated by the community, talapariges were focal points of rural culture. Sadly, today talapariges have disappeared.Read More

This article provides an introduction to two practices that highlight the wisdom of farmers in irrigating their lands. Jetti Agrahara is one such village where the system has been kept alive. It has come to be known as the yajaman panagar system. Yajaman means a farmer belonging to the command area and Panagar is a version of the Marathi word Panagrahi. By its very title, it conveys the synergy between the two, and that it provides equal responsibilities and rights to farmers of the command area as well as those who regulate the water.Read More

This article describes a traditional water conservation practice in Karnataka called as the Gokatte. All over Karnataka, there are small ponds that dot the landscape. Called gokattes, these pools are designed for use by cattle. Gokattes provide water to drink as well as a place to rest for cattle. Fed by rainwater, these pools serve as a perennial source of water for cattle and a community asset as well.

Gokatte or cattle pool is a simple and traditional water conservation practice. These pools can be found all over – in and around villages, outside towns, at one corner of the field, at the base of the hill and in some instances, even in the middle of a tank. While some have been built very systematically using stones, others have been created in pits. This is built without the help of any special tools or gadgets. There are many different types of gokattes in Karnataka, such as community cattle pool, town pond, small pond, madaka, excavated well, water pit etc. Read More

This article describes tunnels, which include sub terain passages drilled to tap clean, pure and natural water. These are commonly found in coastal Karnataka, as well as Malnad regions. Tunnels exist wherever tanks are found and these form a part of the local culture and tradition.

Tunnels or sub-terrain passages are common features in coastal Karnataka, as well as in Malnad. These are crosscut openings drilled into hillsides to tap clean, pure and natural water. The sub-terrain water level at the base of the hill is generally at a higher level than the groundwater levels of the plains. Hence, when crosscut openings are drilled, the end portion of the aperture reaches the sub-terrain water level of the hill. Water flows out easily through the tunnels owing to the gravity.Read More