Comprehending the necessity
Water is an elemental part of human life, and the name surpasses its elaborate definition and directs all to the focal issue i.e., the shortage of water. Considering the depreciating elements leading to its scarcity rewinds humans in time and to the precious spaces in India that have been following conservative yet inspiring traditional water systems. India stands boldly on the ground through its immensely diverse culture and heritage which not only complete the role of enhancing its value but contribute towards sustainable living. The long-established methodologies multiplying enormously throughout the centuries and defining the multiverse of architecture are ecstatic. Whether it’s the 600AD stepwells or the 200-year-old Northeastern hills channel system through the bamboo interconnectivity, traditional methods never stop enthralling aspiring architects and young professionals. But what has diverted humans to “advanced water systems”, where all these traditional water systems’ characters of history have been resonating through these centuries? Sources of water are a medium for the interpolation of various traditional techniques of water systems. The following article focuses on understanding and comprehending the needs and techniques of traditional water systems in India.
Tales of stepwells
A stepwell is a multifaceted structure designed to solve practical requirements. It is used for bathing, drinking water, irrigation, and storage. Baoris or stepwells are the finest examples of water conservation and the need for restoration to make them a medium for water management systems is increasing in India. The procedure for the networking of stepwells is through the catchment areas where water is channelled to two different areas. The first canal carries rainwater from the hilltops to the stepwell’s entry and further secondary canal is towards the stepwell located inside the fort. Before the usability of the stepwell, it undergoes a traditional 7-step water purification process with a filtration unit that operates based on a swirling mechanism. Rani ki Vav, currently established as a UNESCO World Heritage site is in Patan, Gujrat. Chand Baori is a prominent example of a stepwell in Rajasthan, it is one of the deepest and largest of its kind.
Integrated Water System
The intriguing ideology and methodology of all Traditional Water Systems in India is the same i.e., the conservation of water through the medium to achieve it is contrasting. The Bamboo traditional water system works on the principle of intricate joinery through bamboo. The mechanism is such that with the help of bamboo, a pipe system is created to direct the water for irrigation purposes and continuously revive it but in some regions, the interconnectivity of Bamboo is used to direct water to large, plastered cement ponds for serving the community and excess water is utilised in farming.
A similar system known as Ghul is used in higher areas of the Himalayan Region, it spans over 1 to 1.5km and carries water from hill slopes diverting it further into the irrigation fields. Apatani is a water cultivation system framework where water is circulated from raised regions up to 1600m and collection of both surface and groundwater is done for use in irrigation. It is practised by the tribal community of Arunachal Pradesh, Apatani.
A discrete system of Airshafts was built during the Mughal rule by Abdul Rahim Khan in Burhanpur Town, Madhya Pradesh. The whole system involves the installation of airshafts constructed through a passage of underground tunnels to meet the water requirements.
Understanding the Fall of Traditional Systems
The desperate need for water is the same everywhere the reason that comes under the 5 W’s defines the methodologies of traditional water systems in India. Working out on the degrading water quality, understanding its cause and the implementation of the Historical water systems has become necessary in India. The rising water shortage in emerging cities like Noida, and Bangalore is appalling!
Tales of stepwells wither gradually along with the groundwater table and the history it beholds. Stepwells are valuable because of their sacred and functional needs, though knowing how efficient stepwells are for humans has been exploited aggressively, iconic stepwells have been wasted as dumpsters or turned as breeding grounds for diseases leading to their banishment. The following are the reasons on the surface that lead to the scarcity of water. Various parties are involved in the shortage of water – Excessive uprooting of groundwater disturbs the groundwater table and pollution of different water sources through disposal of Industrial waste without any treatment. Such issues overall affect the ecosystem and what still haunts humans is the impact that it has on both aquatic and humankind. The disastrous killing by the fishes who stood at no fault but were an influence of the contaminated waste induced by the Petrochemical Plant in the year 1938. These fishes were sold at the market and its consumption led to rapid killing causing many to be victims of neurological diseases. Speaking domestically another yet saddening example of Bangalore’s River Vrishabhavathi River once a core source of water supply for villagers living outskirts of Bangalore now named the “Gutter of Kengeri”. Once a river gushing with fresh water and defining the territory of lush green background flows along with the froth and stench due to Industrial waste in the catchment area – Peena, Kombalagou, and Yeshwanthpura.
Humans are at fault and considering the depreciating water table, the adaption of traditional water conservation methods has become mandatory. Revival of traditional water systems has been managed in various states of India.
With the rapid advancement in science and technology, humans can navigate this amalgamation in an appropriate and righteous direction. To weather the storm one of the inspiring engineers from Ladakh has paved the way for the community that depends solely on melted water from glaciers. None other than Sonam Wangchuk had created a manmade glacier that would melt and flow towards the catchment area further flowing through rivers and finally reaching its destination. Another influential public figure, President Droupadi Murmu has initiated meetings on the discussion and implementation of the revival of Traditional water systems for efficient supply of water in India.
In concluding the variety of traditional water systems in India, one is required to learn that the understanding and comprehension of traditional water systems do not remain an architectural marvel now onwards but a requirement for the current stature.
