Values Flashcards -
Rainwater harvesting
Define rainwater harvesting.
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Rainwater harvesting is a simple strategy by which rainfall is gathered and stored for future usage. The process involves collection and storage of rainwater with help of artificially designed systems, that runs off natural or man-made catchment areas e.g. rooftop, compounds, rocky surface, hill slopes or artificially repaired impervious/semi-pervious land surface. The collected rainwater from surfaces on which rain falls may be filtered, stored and utilized in different ways or directly used for recharge purposes. Rainwater Harvesting is unrestricted from any kind of impurity, with relatively less storage cost and no maintenance cost involved except for periodical cleaning.<div>With depleting groundwater levels and fluctuating climate conditions, this measure can go a long way to help mitigate the adverse effects rising water scarcity. Reserving rainwater can help recharge local aquifers, reduce urban flooding and most notably, ensure water availability in water-scarce zones.</div><div>
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</div><div>Different techniques of rainwater harvesting.</div><div>
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</div><div>1. Surface runoff harvesting</div><div>
</div><div>In this method, rainwater flows away as surface runoff and can be stored for future use. Surface water can be stored by diverting the flow of small creeks and streams into reservoirs on the surface or underground. It can provide water for farming, for cattle and also for general domestic use. Surface runoff harvesting is most suitable in urban areas.</div><div>
</div><div>Rooftop rainwater/storm runoff can be harvested in urban areas through:</div><div>
</div><div>• Recharge Pit</div><div>
</div><div>• Recharge Trench</div><div>
</div><div>• Tubewell</div><div>
</div><div>• Recharge Well</div><div>
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</div><div>2. Groundwater recharge</div><div>
</div><div>Groundwater recharge is a hydrologic process where water moves downward from surface water to groundwater. Recharge is the primary method through which water enters an aquifer. The aquifer also serves as a distribution system. The surplus rainwater can then be used to recharge groundwater aquifer through artificial recharge techniques.</div><div>
</div><div>Rainwater in rural areas can be harvested through:</div><div>
</div><div>• Gully Plug</div><div>
</div><div>• Contour Bund</div><div>
</div><div>• Dugwell Recharge</div><div>
</div><div>• Percolation Tank</div><div>
</div><div>• Check Dam/Cement Plug/Nala Bund</div><div>
</div><div>• Recharge Shaft</div><div>
</div><div>Although rainwater harvesting measure is deemed to be a desirable concept since the last few years, it is rarely being implemented in rural India. Different regions of the country practiced a variety of rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge methods. Some ancient rainwater harvesting methods followed in India which includes Madakas, Ahar Pynes, Surangas, Taankas, etc.</div><div>
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</div><div>Harvesting and collection of rainwater is an adequate strategy that can be used to address the problem of water crisis globally. The use of a rainwater harvesting system provides excellent merits for every community. This simple water conservation method can be a boost to an incredible solution in areas where there is enough rainfall but not enough supply of groundwater. It will not only provide the most sustainable and efficient means of water management but also unlock the vista of several other economic activities leading to the Empowerment of people at the grass-root level.</div><div>
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</div><div>For this, the Government should come out with an appropriate incentive structure and logistic assistance to make it a real success. Rainwater harvesting is something that thousands of families across the world should participate in rather than pinning hopes on the administration to fight water crisis. This water conservation method is a simple and effective process with numerous benefits that can be easily practiced in individual homes, apartments, parks and across the world. As we all know that charity begins at home, likewise, a contribution to society’s welfare has to be initiated from one’s home.y</div>