Water scarcity is one of the most pressing issues of our time, affecting millions across the globe—especially in countries like India where agriculture depends heavily on seasonal rainfall. To combat this challenge, we must first understand what causes drought and how rain water harvesting methods in India can offer sustainable solutions.
What Are the Causes of Drought?
A drought occurs when a region experiences a prolonged period of low or no rainfall, leading to a water shortage. But droughts aren't just about dry weather—they’re influenced by several natural and human-induced factors:
1. Lack of Rainfall
The most obvious cause, insufficient monsoon or seasonal rain, leads to reduced water availability in rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers.
2. Climate Change
Rising global temperatures are causing changes in weather patterns. Some regions are receiving less rainfall than before, while others face extreme weather events, disrupting the balance of water systems.
3. Deforestation
Trees help regulate the water cycle by releasing moisture into the air. Cutting down forests reduces rainfall and increases surface runoff, which limits groundwater recharge.
4. Overuse of Groundwater
Excessive extraction of groundwater for agriculture and urban use without allowing natural recharge leads to water table depletion.
5. Poor Water Management
Leakage in supply systems, inefficient irrigation practices, and lack of water conservation measures also contribute to drought-like conditions.
Rain Water Harvesting Methods in India
To counter the growing threat of drought, India has embraced several traditional and modern rain water harvesting methods. These techniques help collect, store, and recharge rainwater for future use.
1. Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting
One of the most common urban methods, this involves collecting rainwater from rooftops and channeling it into storage tanks or underground recharge pits.
Benefits:
2. Check Dams
Small barriers built across seasonal streams to slow down water flow, allowing more water to seep into the ground.
Example: Widely used in Maharashtra and Rajasthan for community-level water conservation.
3. Percolation Pits and Recharge Wells
These are small excavated areas or deep borewells where water is directed to recharge underground aquifers.
Ideal For: Urban homes, schools, and office complexes.
4. Kunds and Tankas (Traditional Methods)
Used in arid regions like Rajasthan, these are circular underground tanks that collect rainwater for domestic use.
5. Bunding and Contour Trenches
In rural and hilly areas, bunds (earthen embankments) and trenches are built along slopes to reduce surface runoff and promote infiltration
Conclusion
Understanding what are the causes of drought is essential for developing long-term solutions to water scarcity. By promoting and implementing effective rain water harvesting methods in India, communities can enhance water security, support agriculture, and build resilience against climate change.
Whether you live in a city apartment or a rural village, harvesting rainwater is a simple, impactful step toward a sustainable future.