Studying an indigenous rainwater harvesting system in <em>Banni</em> grassland of Kachchh, India

Abstract

Water scarcity problems in arid regions have been successfully tackled by water harvesting from the times immemorial. This study focuses on an indigenous rainwater harvesting system, locally known as <em>virda</em> that was evolved centuries ago in <em>Banni</em> grassland of Kachchh, Gujarat, India. Animal husbandry is the major occupation of local people called as <em>maldharies</em>, and agriculture is not possible due to low rainfall and inherent salinity present in soil and water. The indigenous water harvesting system based on traditional knowledge is found to be highly effective in sustaining livelihoods of people and life of animals. Success of <em>virda</em> is evident from the fact that the method, developed centuries back, is still found in existence and operational. This indigenous technology developed by the <em>maldharies</em> learnt over the generations based on their wisdom and experience, is not only a traditional method rather it has also been embedded into their culture. Quality of <em>virda</em> water is found suitable for drinking purpose. Thus, <em>virda</em> is a unique water culture for the <em>maldharies</em> community of <em>Banni</em>. Moreover, suitable scientific interventions are suggested to integrate with traditional knowledge-based indigenous technology for further improvement.