Question

Give details about rainwater harvesting. List the advantages and cite an example of a region which has benefitted from it.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Explain the varied usages of water and how pollution and overconsumption lead to the depletion of this precious resource.

Solution:

Rainwater harvesting is the simple process or technology used to conserve rainwater by collecting, storing, conveying and purifying rainwater that runs off from rooftops, parks, roads, open grounds etc. for later use.​​
Fortunately, in many parts of rural and urban India, different methods of rooftop rainwater harvesting have always been adopted. The main objectives of rainwater harvesting include:

• Increasing the underground water table.
• Reduce water contamination.
• Improve the quality of groundwater.
• Prevent flooding during monsoon season.
• Reduce surface run off.
• Fulfill domestic water requirements during summer and in arid regions.
• Make arrangements so that water percolates in the ground.
• Increase self-awareness amongst the public.

Case study: The villagers of Bedaj saved water using region-specific rainwater harvesting techniques. With their efforts, they converted their arid region to greenery by conserving 2.25 crore litres of pure rainwater.
Their efforts included deepening ponds, constructing check dams, and small dams and practising drip irrigation. All their efforts led to several dramatic and positive changes especially an increase in farm production in the village.
Thus Bedaj village has solved the water problem with the rainwater harvesting method.