Author: ed. Agarwal Anil, ed. Narain Sunita
Place: New Delhi
Publisher: Centre For Science and Environment
Pages: 404
ISBN: 81-86906-06-1
Keyword: Water Harvesting System
Shelf: C7R5
Accession No: B1459
Contents: Introduction 1- A Multi-Millennial Mission 2- A Trove of Technology and Traditions 3- The Rise and Fall of Water Harvesting 4- Waiting for Wisdom to Make its Way Reference Statistics Glossary Statement of Shared Concern
Abstract: India’s traditional water harvesting systems, developed over millennia, embody a unique blend of technology, ecology, and cultural knowledge. From stepwells and tanks to rainwater storage structures, they once sustained communities across varied landscapes. This study examines their rise, widespread use, and eventual decline, highlighting social, economic, and environmental factors behind their erosion. Despite falling into disuse, these practices hold valuable insights for addressing modern water scarcity. Integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary methods offers sustainable solutions for equitable water management. Preserving and adapting these systems is a shared responsibility, reflecting both historical significance and ongoing relevance.