Question

Describe briefly the 'Khadin' system of rainwater harvesting practised in Rajasthan.

Answer 1

Rainwater harvesting:

1. Rainwater harvesting is the simple process or technology used to conserve rainwater by collecting, storing, conveying and purifying of rainwater that runs off from rooftops, parks, roads, open grounds, etc. for later use.

2. The process of rainwater harvesting involves the collection and the storage of rainwater with the help of artificially designed systems that run off naturally or man-made catchment areas like- the rooftop, compounds, rock surface, hill slopes, artificially repaired impervious or semi-pervious land surface.

'Khadin' system:

1. ​A khadin is a construction that is designed to harvest surface run off water for agriculture.
2. It was first designed by the Paliwal Brahmins of Jaisalmer, western Rajasthan in the 15th century.
3. The 'Khadin' system of rainwater harvesting practised in Rajasthan has a long earthen embankment known as bund, which is built across the edges of sloping farmlands.
4. The rainwater flows down the slope and is stopped by bund.
5. It then flows into a reservoir.
6. The water in the reservoir seeps into the land and can be used for growing crops.
7. It has a catchment area, bund, saline area and shallow dug well.
8. The water from the catchment area flows down and stopped by the bund.
9. It forms a reservoir.
10. If the reservoir overflows,the water goes into the shallow dug well.
11. This water from the reservoir and shallow dug well seeps down the land and refills the ground water.

Diagram: