Rainwater Harvesting in Rajasthan
Introduction:
Rajasthan, India’s largest state by area, faces acute water scarcity due to its arid and
semi-arid climate, low rainfall (averaging 100–400 mm annually in many parts), and frequent
droughts. The state has limited surface water resources and most of its rivers are seasonal.
Groundwater is overexploited, and the terrain often lacks vegetation, which leads to poor
water retention. These challenges make water conservation and harvesting extremely
important in Rajasthan.
Causes of Water Scarcity:
1. Low Rainfall: The Thar Desert and surrounding regions receive very little annual
precipitation.
2. High Evaporation: Due to high temperatures, most of the rainwater evaporates
quickly.
3. Overdependence on Groundwater: Excessive use for agriculture and
drinking leads to depletion.
4. Deforestation & Land Degradation: Reduced vegetation worsens water
absorption and increases runoff.
5. Population Pressure & Urbanization: Rising water demand without matching
infrastructure.
6. Traditional Sources Drying Up: Many ponds, wells, and tanks are neglected
or silted.
Traditional Rainwater Harvesting Methods:
Rajasthan has a rich history of indigenous water conservation techniques that have evolved
to suit its dry climate. Two of the most prominent traditional rainwater harvesting methods
still in use today are Johads and Tankas.
Johad:
A Johad is a small earthen check dam built to collect and store rainwater, especially in
village catchment areas. Constructed using mud and sometimes stones, Johads help
recharge groundwater by allowing water to percolate into the soil. They are usually
crescent-shaped and built across slopes to capture runoff during the monsoon. Johads are
highly effective in replenishing dried-up wells and improving the water table, making them
crucial for agriculture and daily use in many Rajasthani villages.
Tanka:
A Tanka is a small underground tank, usually circular, used to store drinking water. These
are often found in homes and built with lime plaster to prevent seepage. Tankas collect
rainwater from rooftops through pipes and filters. They are especially important in areas
where surface water is unavailable, and groundwater is too deep or saline. Tankas ensure
year-round access to clean drinking water, particularly in the desert districts like Jaisalmer
and Bikaner.
Modern Rainwater Harvesting Method - Rooftop Rainwater
Harvesting:
Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting (RRWH) is one of the most widely adopted modern
techniques in Rajasthan to combat water scarcity. As urbanization grows and groundwater
levels drop, especially in semi-arid and arid regions, RRWH has become a practical and
efficient method for water conservation.
In this method, rainwater is collected from rooftops of buildings and directed through a
system of pipes and filters into storage tanks or into the ground for recharge. The system
includes mesh filters to remove debris and sand filters to ensure clean water. This harvested
water is either stored for domestic use or directed to recharge pits and borewells to replenish
the groundwater table.
Major government initiatives:
1. Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan (MJSA):
Launched in 2016, MJSA is one of Rajasthan’s flagship programs to make villages
self-reliant in water. It promotes the construction of johads, anicuts, and check dams, and
encourages both traditional and modern rainwater harvesting techniques to conserve water
at the village level.
2. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):
Implemented by the Central Government and supported by the Rajasthan government,
JJM aims to provide tap water to every household. As part of this, the government promotes
rooftop rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge structures to ensure sustainable
water supply.
3. Rainwater Harvesting Mandate (Urban Development Policies):
Rajasthan government has made it mandatory for new buildings (especially in urban
areas) to install rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. Local bodies like Jaipur Development
Authority (JDA) enforce these rules to help replenish groundwater and reduce dependence
on external water sources.
Challenges faced:
1. Low Awareness & Participation:
Many people, especially in rural areas, lack awareness about the long-term benefits of
rainwater harvesting. This leads to low public participation in government schemes.
2. High Initial Costs:
Constructing RWH structures like tanka or rooftop systems involves upfront investment,
which discourages poorer households from adopting them without government support.
3. Poor Maintenance:
Many traditional structures like johads and tankas fall into disrepair due to lack of regular
maintenance, rendering them ineffective over time.
4. Urbanization Pressure:
In cities, rapid construction and lack of planning reduce open spaces and natural
catchments, limiting opportunities for rainwater collection and recharge.
5. Climate Variability:
Rajasthan receives erratic and low rainfall. In drought years, rainwater harvesting may not
yield sufficient water, making people lose trust in its reliability.
6. Implementation Gaps:
Some government schemes face delays, lack of proper monitoring, or corruption, which
hinders timely and effective implementation of RWH projects.
Impact of Rainwater Harvesting Methods on Society:
1. Improved Water Availability:
Traditional methods like johads and tankas and modern methods like rooftop RWH have
significantly improved water storage. This has helped communities access water during dry
seasons, especially in remote or drought-prone areas.
2. Support to Agriculture:
RWH has enabled farmers to irrigate their fields even with limited rainfall. It reduces
dependence on erratic monsoons and helps in growing crops more reliably, thus supporting
livelihoods.
3. Reduced Groundwater Depletion:
With RWH, there is less pressure on groundwater sources, helping to recharge wells and
improve groundwater levels in certain areas.
4. Empowerment of Communities:
Villages that revived traditional systems saw people coming together for a common cause.
It promoted community participation, self-reliance, and better water management practices.
5. Health and Hygiene:
Better access to water means improved sanitation, reduced waterborne diseases, and
enhanced quality of life, especially for women and children who otherwise travel far to fetch
water.
Conclusion:
Rainwater harvesting in Rajasthan is not just a traditional practice but a lifeline in a region
where water scarcity is a constant challenge. From age-old methods like johads and tankas
to modern techniques like rooftop rainwater harvesting, the people of Rajasthan have shown
resilience and innovation in managing their limited water resources. Government initiatives
have further strengthened these efforts.
While challenges remain, the positive impact on agriculture, groundwater recharge, health,
and community development highlights the importance of continuing and expanding RWH
practices. With proper implementation, awareness, and community involvement, rainwater
harvesting can be a powerful tool for sustainable water management in Rajasthan and other
arid regions.
