Johad
Topic: Water Resources of India: Availability, Use and Conservation · NCERT: Class 10, Ch 3 "Water Resources"; Class 12, Ch 4 "Water Resources"
Meaning
A johad is a traditional water-harvesting structure in Rajasthan. It is either a crescent-shaped earthen check dam or a dug-out pond. A check dam is a small barrier that slows water. A johad catches monsoon rain that runs down slopes and holds it. The water seeps into the ground and recharges (refills) groundwater and wells. Johads show that small local structures can bring back dried-up water sources.
Example
In Alwar district, Rajasthan, villagers worked with Tarun Bharat Sangh to build johads, and the Arvari river began to flow again. In 1999 the villages formed the Arvary Pani Sansad, a "water parliament" that makes rules on water use.
Don't confuse with
- Khadin: this is an earthen bank built across a slope in Jaisalmer. It holds runoff so that the soil behind it stays moist enough to grow a crop. A johad mainly stores water and recharges groundwater.
Related concepts
- Ancient hydraulic structures of India
- Kallanai
- Traditional water harvesting systems
- Guls and kuls
- Inundation channels
- Khadin
- Taanka
- Kund
- Ahar-pyne
- Eri