Indian Water Portal team visits Mangalore, stresses on rain water harvesting

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (DV)
 
Mangalore, Oct 28: Indian Water Portal, a team consisting of 15 members toured Mangalore and surrounding regions from October 24 to October 27 to study the local water management system. On conclusion of their study, team member Ashish Panda on Monday October 27 interacted with the media and spoke on water harvesting techniques, especially in areas like Thar Desert of Rajasthan. The programme was held at Netravati Hall in zilla panchayat office here on Monday October 28.

“In our country, Rajasthan’s Thar Desert gets very less rainfall of about 100 mm. This monsoon, Thar Desert witnessed only 2 hours of rainfall. People as well as various livestock like sheep and goat have to depend on this rain. Nevertheless people of this particular region practiced rain water harvesting and conservation. Reviving their tradition, the people of the Thar Desert used water harvesting methods and collected rain water in ponds, rivers and 'Beris' (well dug to collect the flowing water), and artesian wells which was helpful. These methods of rainwater harvesting helped people of this region as they got sufficient amount of water for themselves as well as for their live stock and agriculture,” said Ashish Panda.

Briefing on how the people depended on water storage tanks for their livelihood in Jaisalmer, he said that in Jodhpur 90% of the families depend on this rain water for agriculture. As the people have started practicing these rain harvesting techniques, the water in lakes, ponds does not dry up. Even in such desert people get abundant water through this water conservation and harvesting techniques, he said.

He also said that though the government has spent crores of rupees for the Indira Gandhi Canal Project, it remained just a mirage to the people of this particular region. However, the water harvesting method initiated by the common man and not by any engineer helped the people, he said.

He also explained how rain water harvesting helped fill the dry river in Alwar district.

Shrikanth Prassan explained about the various rain water harvesting areas in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasargod districts. He also said that Mangalore receives the highest rainfall of 4,000 mm in 100 days in this region. This rain water can be used for various purposes. He also gave examples and briefed about the rain water harvesting practiced in various places like Faringipete, Manipal University, Yenepoya Medical College, and New Mangalore Port Trust.

He explained how rain water can be harvested in laterite soil and how the Madakas, Surangas can be more useful in rain water harvesting.

Veteran journalist Shree Padre compered the programme. K S Lingegowda, Krishna Moolya among others were present on the occasion. 

Team members of Indian Water Portal Bishwadeep, Nisha, Prateek, Amita, Chicu, Hamsa, Makarand, Manu, Rekha, Sabita,Seetha, and Usha were present.