INDIGENOUS WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN KUMAUN HILLS
Writer : Mr. Ajay Rawat
THE main sources of water in Kumaon are rainwater, glaciers, rivers, lakes, streams of all sizes and springs. This region lies in the monsoon belt and over hundreds of year, communities in this region learned to collect rainwater, store it and use it for a variety of purposes throughout the year. Thus a unique water harvesting civilization took shape in this region. Communities took pride in their water systems, as evidenced by the exquisite ornamentation and architecture of the structures around water bodies. An amazing aspect of these structures and systems is that many of them survive even today, hundreds of years after their construction. The basic principles that ensured sustainability in the past were non intervention of state in various uses of water was revered, it was regarded as sacred and the water bodies well maintained.
Traditionally in Kumaon, the main systems of water harvesting are guls, naulas, dharas, lakes, kund, khal, simar or gazar and water mills. A few of these technologies are still in use and provide a small proportion of water requirements of the people in rural areas. The traditional systems are,
GUL-In Kumaon cultivation is done largely on terraced fields and since ancient times, the problem of irrigating the fields was resolved by diverting the water from nearby streams or rivers through channels called guls or kuls. They are the best example of water resource management in the hills and are usually dug along the contours of the slope. Apart from irrigation, gule were used for drinking water and for running ‘gharats’ or water mills.
NAULA- They are desigened to collect water from subterranean springs. The flow of these springs is very sensitive and can be disturbed by seismic activity and human disturbance. Naulas are sited mostly on the hill slopes in the mountainous region of Kumaon. They are covered reservoirs and have been constructed by ex-rulers and exhibit masterpiece architectural features. Some of the Naulas like the Ek-hati and, Baleshwar naulas in Champawat are famous for their architectural splendors.
The Naulas have a common design. They consist of a tank that is closed on three sides and covered. The fourth side, which is open, has steps that lead down to the tank. There is a pillared verandah around, which is emblazoned with engravings. Animals are not permitted to enter and the system is so designed that the user do not contaminate the source. All the water is considered sacred, even to this day the basic rules of sanitation and hygiene are mostly observed. Naulas were considered community property and the naula water was treated with amla and neem leaves. The naulas are gradually disappearing owing to deforestation.
For maintaining the water table, providing shade and fruit to the people as well as bird life and to pay reverence to water trees like Oak, kharik (Celtis Australis), siling (Osmanthis fragrans), peepal (Ficus religiosa), bargad (Fiscus bengalensis), timil (Ficus patmala), dudhila (Ficus memolaris), padam (Prunus cerasodus), amla (Emblica officinalis), shahtut (Morus albla) and utis (Alnus nepalensis) were planted around and in close proximity to the naulas. The people were aware that all forms of life human, animal, plant and micro organisms are so closely interlinked with one another that disturbance in one gives rise to imbalance in others.
Dhara -It is a common source of drinking water and can be compared with a drinking water fountain. Dharas are located both in mountain crests and valleys. They are popular in townships also. In dharas too, the practice of planting tree was in vogue for symbolizing the sanctity of water the water from a spring or a subterranean source is channeled through a carved outlet. The latter are often in the shape of a pipe or figures of animals. The most common ones are the lions and cows.
There are three types of dharas depending upon their heights and nature of flow. If an individual can easily drink water from the dhara in a standing position, then it is called Sirpatia dhara. In another situation if one has to bend over for drinking water, then it is called Murpatia Dhara.
SIMAR – It is known as ‘gajar’ also. Gagar is a marshy tract of land in an agricultural field and is created by the water table below. Cultivation of high quality crops like basmati rice, medicinal plants and herbs are a common feature in gajares.
CHUPTAULA- They are basically water holes for animals and are sited mostly in high altitudes for use of graziers. They are not permanent in nature and water is collected in them from springs or from points where water oozes out from the ground. Faunal and bird life also use this accumulated water and at times they serve as an important source of water for human consumption at high altitudes.
KHAL- Large depressions in mountainous areas are used for rainwater harvesting and these features are called ‘khals’. Mostly they are on top of ridges in the saddle between two crests. At times small dug ponds are also used for collection rainwater. During lean period water accumulated in the khals is used for irrigation purposes. When discharge of water in guls is reduced owing to the searing heat of summers, then wateraricesaries is first accumulated in a khal and subsequently used for irrigation.
DHAAN - Water is collected from small and big streams and given the shape of a lpond. The accumulated water is used for domestic animals to bathe and it is also used for irrigation.
The traditional water management system was sustainable and participatory, but with the british occupation of Kumaon, the 1917 and 1935 water rules ensured total control of the state over water resources. The water disputes stemmed from the question of right over resources.
In the circumstance, the focus on water management system requires a holistic approach, aided, of course by modern knowledge and technology but in consonance with traditional knowledge system and the actual needs. It is essential to redeem the peoples’ interest in environment, and instead of de-empowering them, they should be made partners in the whole process of planning, implementation and the real beneficiaries of the endeavour. A well developed information system for the purpose and a strong political will are the prime requisites.
Source : "KUMAON PLUS" complimentary with Sunday Times, Times of India, Dehradun
