Water harvesting is an age-old concept in India. Various methods are u...
A khadin, also called a dhora, is an ingenious construction designed to harvest surface runoff water for agriculture. Its main feature is a very long (100-300 m) earthen embankment built across the lower hill slopes lying below gravelly uplands. Sluices and spillways allow excess water to drain off. The khadin system is based on the principle of harvesting rainwater on farmland and subsequent use of this water-saturated land for crop production.
First designed by the Paliwal Brahmins of Jaisalmer, western Rajasthan in the 15th century, this system has great similarity with the irrigation methods of the people of Ur (present Iraq) around 4500 BC and later of the Nabateans in the Middle East. A similar system is also reported to have been practised 4,000 years ago in the Negev desert, and in southwestern Colorado 500 years ago.
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Water harvesting is an age-old concept in India. Various methods are u...
Khadin Water Harvesting Method in Rajasthan
Khadin water harvesting method is primarily used in the state of Rajasthan in India. It is a traditional system of rainwater harvesting which has been practiced in the arid regions of the state for centuries. Here's how the Khadin water harvesting method works:
Construction of Khadins
- Khadins are long, narrow, earthen embankments built across the slope of a hill to capture rainwater.
- They are constructed in such a way that they slow down the flow of rainwater and allow it to percolate into the ground, recharging the groundwater levels.
Functioning of Khadins
- When it rains, the Khadins fill up with rainwater, which then percolates into the ground and gets stored in the aquifers.
- The stored water is then used for irrigation purposes, helping farmers grow crops even during dry periods.
- The Khadins also prevent soil erosion and help in maintaining the moisture content of the soil.
Benefits of Khadin Water Harvesting
- Khadins help in increasing the groundwater levels, making water available for drinking and irrigation purposes.
- They help in improving agricultural productivity and providing a sustainable source of water in arid regions.
- Khadins also contribute to the conservation of soil and water resources, making them an environmentally friendly method of water harvesting.
Overall, the Khadin water harvesting method is a simple yet effective way of managing water resources in the arid regions of Rajasthan, ensuring water security for the local communities.
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