The Rise and Decline of Traditional Tank Irrigation Systems
Ancient water harvesting systems, such as those from the Indus Valley Civilization (~3500 BCE), have been vital for irrigation and climate resilience, especially in arid regions. One such prominent system in South Asia, called tank irrigation, initially thrived through community management but declined post-independence due to colonial policies and neglect in Sri Lanka and India.
The tank cascade systems in South Asia, including those in Dholavira from the Indus Valley Civilization dating back to around 3,500 BCE, underscore the region’s enduring water management tradition. These early systems were marked by sophisticated designs featuring large reservoirs, step wells, and channels, setting a precedent for sustainable water management through community involvement. This tradition continued and evolved throughout history, notably with the cascading tanks, designed and constructed over 2,000 years ago by rulers, philanthropists, and local communities due to their extraordinary engineering and managerial skills.
However, the unprecedented degradation of tank systems and the further expansion of groundwater-based well irrigation continued even after India’s independence in 1947. By the 1980s, well irrigation, including both tube wells and communal open wells, accounted for the maximum area under irrigation. Overall, a sharp decline in tank irrigated area was observed from 3.6 million hectares in 1950 to 1.7 million hectares in 2014 (~53% decrease). This shift from community-based water sources to individual-based water sources has created a considerable imbalance in the hydrological and ecological systems.
Reviving Traditional Water Harvesting Systems
Despite the decline, the last few decades have witnessed a resurgence of interest in tank rehabilitation and modernization, bolstered by government support in India. Numerous initiatives across India have been taken since the 1980s in the direction of the tank’s development and ecosystem. These programs have primarily focused on physical rehabilitation to increase agricultural productivity, with later efforts aiming to alleviate poverty and enhance climate resilience.
One such prominent initiative is the Tank Cascade System (TCS) rehabilitation program in Hyderabad, India. The TCS, a time-tested technology, has been crucial for mitigating natural hazards such as floods and droughts, replenishing groundwater, reducing soil erosion, and ensuring reliable water supplies. The program in Hyderabad has adopted a holistic approach, integrating traditional knowledge with modern practices to restore the functionality and sustainability of these ancient water harvesting systems.
Key Lessons from the Hyderabad Experience
The Hyderabad TCS rehabilitation program offers several valuable insights for community-based water stewardship:
-
Community Engagement and Ownership: The success of the program hinges on active community involvement in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of the TCS. By empowering local stakeholders, the program has fostered a sense of ownership and long-term commitment to the system’s sustainability.
-
Integrating Traditional and Modern Approaches: The program has seamlessly blended traditional water management practices with innovative technologies, such as using geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing to map and monitor the TCS. This hybrid approach has optimized the efficiency and effectiveness of the water harvesting systems.
-
Ecosystem-based Approach: The program has adopted a holistic, ecosystem-based approach, addressing not only the physical infrastructure of the TCS but also the surrounding landscape, biodiversity, and groundwater dynamics. This has enabled the program to enhance the overall resilience of the local water resources.
-
Climate Change Adaptation: The TCS has proven to be a valuable asset in building community resilience to the impacts of climate change, such as erratic rainfall, floods, and droughts. By capturing and storing rainwater, the system has ensured a reliable water supply during times of scarcity and mitigated the effects of extreme weather events.
-
Livelihood and Poverty Alleviation: The program has recognized the importance of TCS in supporting local livelihoods, particularly for marginalized communities. By integrating income-generating activities, the program has empowered the community and contributed to poverty alleviation.
-
Institutional and Policy Support: The success of the Hyderabad TCS program has been facilitated by strong institutional and policy support, including the involvement of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and research institutions. This collaborative approach has enabled the program to overcome challenges and scale up its impact.
Scaling Up Community-Based Water Stewardship
The lessons from the Hyderabad TCS rehabilitation program have broader implications for scaling up community-based water stewardship initiatives globally. By recognizing the value of traditional water harvesting systems and integrating them into modern water management practices, communities can enhance their resilience, improve livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable development.
Key strategies for scaling up community-based water stewardship include:
-
Comprehensive Mapping and Assessment: Systematic mapping and assessment of traditional water harvesting systems, such as the TCS, can help identify their current status, potential, and challenges. This information can guide targeted rehabilitation and modernization efforts.
-
Participatory Governance: Empowering local communities through participatory governance structures, such as water user associations and tank user groups, can ensure the long-term sustainability of water stewardship initiatives.
-
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: Investing in capacity-building programs and facilitating knowledge exchange among communities can strengthen their ability to manage and maintain their water resources effectively.
-
Policy and Institutional Alignment: Aligning water stewardship initiatives with national and local policies, as well as strengthening institutional support, can create an enabling environment for scaling up community-based water management.
-
Technological Integration: Integrating traditional water harvesting systems with modern technologies, such as AI, remote sensing, and digital water monitoring, can optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of community-based water stewardship.
-
Diversified Funding Mechanisms: Exploring diverse funding sources, including government programs, private sector investments, and international development assistance, can provide the necessary resources for scaling up community-based water stewardship.
By embracing these strategies, communities around the world can replicate the success of the Hyderabad TCS rehabilitation program, empowering local stakeholders, enhancing water security, and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Conclusion
The Hyderabad TCS rehabilitation program offers a compelling case study for community-based water stewardship. By reviving traditional water harvesting systems, integrating modern practices, and fostering active community engagement, the program has demonstrated the potential of grassroots initiatives to address water challenges, build climate resilience, and support sustainable development.
As the global community faces growing water scarcity and the impacts of climate change, the lessons from Hyderabad serve as a blueprint for communities worldwide to reclaim their water resources and secure a sustainable future. Through collaborative efforts, policy support, and technological innovation, the revival of traditional water harvesting systems can become a powerful catalyst for community empowerment, environmental protection, and inclusive development.
