Mehaa Pershad

LA4007

Ancient civilizations flourished close to water. India is rooted in strong traditions, the importance of water in the life of ordinary people is much emphasized, elaborated, and celebrated in rituals and as monumental spaces. One of them is the tradition of harvesting water. But why do we need the water harvesting project in a wetland? The narrative of the sea and sailor comes to one's mind here. The villages in the Nalsarovar region are wet but are yet parched. This water stress is due to the salinity of water and a high level of dependence on a single source of water. The project thus demonstrates the various stages of the water supply system, usually hidden unseen and not acknowledged from the everyday environment and engages communities and commons in issues of conservation, treatment, and use. Although designed for a site, this as a prototype can be replicated in other localities. These can then be used in any given location through traditional rural techniques. Further modifications will be made based on the requirement of water, construction skill set of the communities, and the initial capital available. Productivity can be substantially increased through this prototype by giving them the gift of knowledge, which will make the locals free and independent. The provision of incentives adds to the development of the site. Hence leading to potential environmental and socio-economic benefits. The project uncovers nature’s ability to restore itself and the power of the local community to make things happen. Though there might be small changes, for now, small is always beautiful.