Rainwater Harvesting: Capturing and storing the rainwater for recharging the groundwater is called rainwater harvesting. It can also be used for domestic and agricultural purpose. Rainwater is collected on the roof of house and it is stored in dug well or underground tank. This water is used for washing, animal drinking, irrigation etc.
Objectives/Uses of Rainwater Harvesting:
- To meet the increasing demand of water.
- To reduce surface run-off which cause flooding on the roads.
- To recharge the groundwater.
- To reduce groundwater pollution and improve the quality of water.
- To supply water during dry season.
Methods of Rainwater Harvesting:
- Collecting rainwater on rooftop and diverting it into a dug well to recharge groundwater.
- Collecting rainwater on roof top and diverting it into a dug well to recharge groundwater.
- Making small check dams to stop surface run-off and allow the soil to absorb more moisture.
- Using bamboo as pipe to bring spring water from far away place for irrigation like in Meghalaya.
Different Methods of Rainwater Harvesting in India:
- Farmer of Rajasthan collects rainwater in their agricultural fields to increase the soil moisture. It is called ‘Khadins’ and ‘Johad’ in Rajasthan.
- People of Rajasthan also built underground tank [Called as ‘Tankas’] to store drinking water for at least a year.
- In West Bengal, people developed inundation channels to irrigate their fields.
- In the hilly and mountainous areas, people build diversion channel called as ‘Guls’ and ‘Kuls’ for development of agriculture.
- Collection of rainwater is also done in Shillong for household requirement.
- In Meghalaya, people use bamboo [Bamboo Drip] as pipes to bring water spring water located hundreds of meters away from the houses.
