Nature Environment and Pollution Technology

Hari Pal Singh ¹, M. R. Sharma ¹, Quamural Hassan ¹, Naved Ahsan ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, IN

Abstract

World-wide pressure on water resources is increasing due to population growth, groundwater mining and climate change. Domestic and agricultural water usage is a significant component of water demand. Himachal Pradesh is experiencing drought like situations since last decade. The intensity of drought is increasing year after year for the past six years. The state is facing serious water shortage problem during the summers. The rainwater harvesting can be implemented as a viable alternative to conventional water supply or on-farm irrigation projects. The water can be stored either in a storage tank or in a soil media as groundwater. The rainwater can be harvested using eco-friendly low cost technologies such as UV-resistant plastic lined ponds, ferro-cement tanks, RCC tanks, etc. and used for multiple purposes. An attempt has been to highlights the various rain water harvesting methods that can be used effectively to augment the water supply position in Himachal Pradesh. There is need to change some existing policies relating to water management to tackle the water shortage during scarcity.

Keywords

Rainwater Harvesting, Water Resources, Himachal Pradesh.

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Hari Pal Singh ¹, M. R. Sharma ², Quamural Hassan ¹, Naved Ahsan ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, IN
2 MIT College of Engineering and Management, Bani-174 304, District Hamirpur, H. P., IN

Abstract

Water is a marvellous and unique substance which is very essential for life on earth. Water has been regarded as an essential commodity since time immemorial, and all the ancient civilizations settled and developed close to a source of water. But the steady increase in human population, widespread technological modernization, and new and unsustainable lifestyle have invited calamity in the form of water scarcity. This paper examines the traditional water resources in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, which is blessed with varied and bountiful natural water resources such as baories, wells, khads, nalas, nawns, chhrudus, khatries, etc. However, this study has revealed that about 18% of the traditional water resources are in disuse, many of them dying a natural death due to poor maintenance, non-repair and the availability of modern facilities such as hand pumps and piped water supply. The study also reveals that the water in 60% wells, 55% baories and 36% khatries is contaminated and not fit for human consumption. There is an urgent need to develop policies and programmes for the revival of the traditional water resources, so as to combat the problem of increasing water scarcity.

Keywords

Traditional Drinking Water Resources, Baories, Khatries, Himachal Pradesh.

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