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Rajasthan's ancient water management systems, Khadin and Baori, are gaining renewed attention as sustainable solutions for extreme summers.
Khadin is a unique rainwater harvesting system primarily for agriculture, collecting runoff water in enclosed lowlands.
Baoris, or stepwells, are multi-storied structures providing access to groundwater, also serving as community cooling spaces.
These traditional methods offer eco-friendly and resilient alternatives to modern energy-intensive cooling and water supply systems.
The article highlights two key traditional water management systems from Rajasthan: Khadin and Baori. The Khadin system is a unique indigenous method of rainwater harvesting and soil moisture conservation, primarily found in the Jaisalmer district. It involves constructing an earthen embankment (bund) across a sloping farmland to trap rainwater runoff. The water then percolates into the soil, saturating it for subsequent cultivation of crops without direct irrigation, and also helps in recharging groundwater. A Baori, or stepwell, is a well or pond in which the water is reached by descending a set of steps. These are often multi-storied, intricately carved structures that provide access to water tables deep underground. Beyond their primary function of water supply, stepwells served as cool retreats during hot summers due to evaporative cooling and thermal mass, and acted as social gathering places.
Simple Analogy: Think of a Khadin as a natural sponge for farmland, soaking up rainwater to grow crops. A Baori is like a natural underground air conditioner combined with a public tap, providing cool water and a cool place to gather.
Direct relevance to ensuring water availability and sustainable supply in arid regions.
Examples of adaptive strategies against extreme heat, drought, and changing weather patterns.
Principles of passive cooling, local resource utilization, and eco-friendly construction.
Importance of indigenous wisdom and practices in environmental management and resource conservation.
Potential for integrating traditional water features and passive cooling strategies into modern urban design and infrastructure.
The article primarily focuses on Rajasthan, a state in western India known for its arid and semi-arid climate. Khadin systems are particularly prominent in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. Stepwells (Baoris) are widespread across Rajasthan and other parts of western and northern India, including Gujarat, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. Students should be able to locate these states and regions on a map of India.
GS Paper I (Geography, Indian Heritage and Culture), GS Paper III (Environment, Disaster Management, Infrastructure)
General Awareness (Indian Geography, Culture, Environment)
General Awareness (Current Affairs related to Environment/Schemes)
General Awareness (Indian Geography, Environment)
General Awareness (Environment, Geography)
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Answer: 2 and 3
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Medium to High for UPSC, Medium for SSC/Railway.
An ancient rainwater harvesting system for agriculture in arid regions, involving earthen embankments to trap runoff.
A multi-storied well accessed by steps, used for water supply, cooling, and social gatherings.
Adjustments in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, to moderate harm or exploit beneficial opportunities.
Building design approach that focuses on heat gain control and heat dissipation in a building to improve indoor thermal comfort with low or no energy consumption.