Our country has a long history of water conservation techniques like (i) Surangam (Kerela): A horizontal well dug in laterite rock until a significant amount of water is struck. This water seeps out of the hard rock. Outside of the Surangam, the water is gathered in an open pit. (ii) Bawaris/Baolis (Rajasthan): A system of layered steps was created around the reservoirs to narrow and deepen the wells, reducing water loss through evaporation harvesting the scanty rainfall received by the region. (iii) Eri/ Ooranis (Tamil Nadu): A tank system that manages floods, minimises soil erosion and runoff during heavy rains. Thus recharging groundwater. (iv) Ahar Pynes (Bihar) are reservoirs with three-sided embankments (Ahar) constructed at the end of man-made diversion channels (Pynes). (v) Zing (Ladakh): Tank used to harvest water from glaciers. As the glacier melts during the day, a network of channels fill up with water. By the afternoon the water in the channels turns into a flowing stream which collects in the tank by evening and is used the next day.

Which one would be suitable for your city? Have you observed any of these traditional systems? If you have, briefly describe it.

The most suitable traditional water conservation system for my city would be Ahar Pynes.

My city is located on the Indo-Gangetic plains in North India, a region known for its fertile soil and agriculture-based economy. This area receives seasonal rainfall and has several rivers and natural drainage channels. The Ahar Pynes system is ideal here because it helps in managing excess rainwater during the monsoon by diverting it through pynes (channels) into ahars (reservoirs), preventing flooding and soil erosion. It also ensures water is stored for irrigation during dry periods, supporting sustainable farming and groundwater recharge.

Yes, I have observed Chand Baori in Rajasthan. It is a stunning architectural marvel and one of India's deepest and largest stepwells. It features a square shape with multiple tiers of steps arranged in a precise geometrical pattern. It has 3,500 narrow steps leading down to a depth of about 20 meters (65 feet). The steps are constructed without mortar or iron clips, relying on a precise design for stability. It is strategically positioned to capture and store rainwater, ensuring a reliable water supply for the surrounding community, especially during dry periods.