Question

(a) What is meant by rainwater harvesting? Name some of the ancient structures used for rainwater harvesting by the rural people.
(b) What are the various advantages of water stored in the ground?

Answer 1

(a) Rainwater harvesting is the method of collecting rainwater so that it can percolate in the soil more efficiently. The ancient structures used for rainwater harvesting by the rural people are Khadin in Rajasthan, Bandharas and Tals in Maharashtra and Ahars in Bihar.

(b) Following are the various advantages of water stored under the ground:

• It does not evaporate.
• It spreads out to recharge wells and provides moisture to the crops.
• It does not promote the breeding of mosquitoes.
• It is not contaminated by human and animal wastes.
• It can be utilised by the local population.