Naadies & Khadins “Wisdom of Thar People

Author(s): Rajendra Kumar

Abstract:

In thar desert region the rural communities face acute problem of drinking water. Water is the main theme of perennial human interest. Many traditional technologies exist for water harvesting through taanka, Naadi and beris etc. But due to introduction of tap water these technologies are left behind in towns. But in rural area with innovations in the traditional systems and participation of community in water conservation programs, with initiatives of NGOs, PRIs and Government, the acceptability of the water harvesting systems is increasing.In this paper attempts are made to explain the traditional water resource management systems and the innovations such as catchment improvements, diversion bunds (Aad), masonry super structure “spillway” to allow excess water from farm field and protect to khadin bund, provision of outlet “Nehta” in the khadin to protect early sowing crops, thorn pai use to protect mud bund erosion from heavy wind and heavy rainfall and also to support long life of the structure, etc. The innovations suggested in the structures are proving very useful and increasing the crop yield by reducing the soil erosion and check the migration of Thar people. Also, the income & health and hygiene of the rural people is improving. In fact, the traditional water harvesting structures e.g Beri, Taanka and Naadi, Khadin “dyke” is much more than a self-reliance source of food and fodder security for the community or a family asset.

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