Water hope for Amber -- April 29, 2003
Amber Trust has recently carried out the first ever complete survey of traditional water harvesting structures in Amber, near Jaipur. The results offer some hope for the community which is facing drought.
The survey identified and mapped 18 bavries (step wells), 6 kunds (tanks) and 45 wells, many dating from 200-400 years ago. Many of these structures have fallen into disrepair due to neglect and some have even been encroached upon. However, conservation can be carried out using local skills and traditional building techniques.
"As a historic desert community, Amber has always had a great tradition for water harvesting" said Rajendra Singh of Tarun Bharat Sangh, "It would be marvellous to see this tradition revived. This would be the best sustainable solution to future risks of drought."
Members of the Amber Eco Warriors Club carried out the field work for the survey with the support of Amber Trust. The Club is a group of young people in Amber who are committed to improving the environment of the community. The Eco Warriors combed the community, consulted maps and talked to local elders. Speaking for the Club, Vinod Meena said "We were born and brought up here and yet we have never known what wonderful bavries existed on our door step. We are determined that these should be preserved for our children and our children’s children."
These water structures are part of a traditional system of managing scarce water by water harvesting, storage and recharging groundwater. As Amber faces a water crisis, approaches such as these are now being widely promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in this the International Year of Freshwater.
"It is so wonderful for local people to take
pride in the heritage in their marvellous community" added Rashmi Dickinson
of Amber Communities Trust. "It is even more important that these structures
are conserved as part of a revival of the traditional system of water management.
People cannot rely on piped water and groundwater will run out by 2006 if
nothing is done. We will do whatever we can to assist in this step forward."