58.182.176.169 at 07:22, 29 June 2021

2021-06-29T07:22:07Z

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{{short description|Traditional rainwater storage wetland in India}}
{{more footnotes|date=April 2015}}
[[File:A Nadi (small johad) in village Laporiya, Rajasthan.jpg|thumb|Nadi (small johad) in Laporiya village of Rajasthan.]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2019}}

[[File:Rithal_village_hariyana_rohtak_0080.jpg|thumb|240px|right|Johad at Rithal village of [[Rohtak district]] of [[Haryana]]]]

A '''johad''' ({{Lang-hi|जोहड}}), also known as a '''pokhar''' or a '''percolation pond''', is a community-owned traditional [[Rainwater harvesting|harvested rainwater]] [[storage tank|storage]] [[wetland]] principally used for [[Water resources in India|effectively harnessing water resources]] in the states of [[Haryana]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Punjab]], and western [[Uttar Pradesh]] of [[North India]], that collects and stores water throughout the year, to be used for the purpose of [[Groundwater recharge|recharging the groundwater]] in the nearby [[water well]]s, washing, bathing and [[Water supply and sanitation in India|drinking by humans and cattle]].<ref name=Joh1>Haruka Yanagisawa, 2015, [https://books.google.com/books?isbn=9971698536 Community, Commons and Natural Resource Management in Asia:]</ref><ref name=Joh2>[https://scroll.in/article/715676/video-how-indias-water-man-first-revived-a-river-and-a-village-in-rajasthan Video: How India's 'Water Man' first revived a river and a village in Rajasthan], Scroll.in, 23 Mar 2015.</ref><ref name=Joh3>Amanda Suutari and Gerry Marten, [http://www.ecotippingpoints.org/our-stories/indepth/india-rajasthan-rainwater-harvest-restoration-groundwater-johad.html Water Warriors: Rainwater Harvesting to Replenish Underground Water (Rajasthan, India)], Jun 2015.</ref><ref name=Joh4>Margaret Robertson, 2007, [https://books.google.com/books?isbn=0864314388 Sustainable Futures: Teaching and Learning: a Case Study Approach].</ref> Some johads also have bricked or stones masonry and cemented [[ghat]] (series of steps and/or ramp).<ref name=Joh1/><ref name=Joh2/><ref name=Joh4/>

Here’s how it works- First, the rainwater falls into this pit and fills up. These are connected to other small pits like this. The extra rainwater is filled in the smaller pits. They are then used for cleaning, drinking and washing purposes.

Johads also cater to resident and seasonal [[Bird migration|migrant birds]] as well as wildlife animals from the nearby [[Forest|bani]] (forest). [[Fishery Survey of India|State fisheries departments]] also promote the use of these johads for [[Fisheries management|raising fishes]] on contract basis for [[Fishing in India|commercial fishing]]. Johads are often seen surrounded by embankment, with water well and trees around them. In many parts, [[Climate of Rajasthan|specially in dry state of Rajasthan]], the annual rainfall is very low (between 450 and 600 mm) and the water can be unpleasant to drink. Rainfall during July and August is stored in johads and used throughout the year. Johad in [[Haryanvi language]] and [[Rajasthani language]] are also called ''sarovar'', ''taal'' and ''talab'' in [[Hindi Language|Hindi language]], and water pond or lake in English. A similar structure to a johads, called a ''khadin,'' consists of a very low and long earthen bund in the [[Jaisalmer district]]. Over 4,500 working johads in [[Alwar district]] and surrounding districts Rajasthan were revived by the NGO [[Tarun Bharat Sangh]] by [[Rajendra Singh (environmentalist)|Rajendra Singh]]. Haryana formed the Haryana State Waterbody Management Board to rejuvenate and manage 14,000 ponds in the state, including the development of 60 lakes in Delhi NCR falling within the state.<ref name=HarWater1/><ref name=HarWater2/>

Smaller cemented [[water tank]]s called ''[[taanka]]s'' in parts of Rajasthan are also sometimes mistakenly referred to as johads. Concretized rain-fed ''taanka'' and canal-fed ''diggi'' are different from the johads.

==Johad wetlands==

===Type of construction===
Johads can be of several types, such as dug out in areas to which rainwater can be easily channeled. Alternatively, simple mud and rubble barrier [[check dam]]s may be built across the contour of a slope with a high embankment on the three sides while the fourth side is left open for the rainwater to enter. These catch and conserve rainwater, leading to improved percolation and groundwater recharge. They are very common in most villages of states of [[Haryana]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] and the [[Thar desert]] of Rajasthan in India.<ref name=Joh1/><ref name=Joh2/><ref name=Joh3/><ref name=Joh4/>

===Rejuvenation===
{{see also | Aravalli_Range#Green_wall_of_India | l1= The Great Green Wall of Aravalli | Inland_Customs_Line#Great_Hedge | l2= The Great Hedge of India}}

2019 [[Atal Bhujal Yojana]] (Atal groundwater scheme), a 5 years (2020-21 to 2024-25) scheme costing INR 6 billion (US$85 million) for managing demand side with village panchayat level water security plans entailing [[Johad#Haryana Johads rejuvenation|johad rejuvenation]] (wetland) and groundwater recharge, was approved for implementation in 8,350 water-stressed villages across 7 states, including Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.<ref name=":new0">[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/centre-approves-rs-6000-crore-scheme-to-manage-groundwater-resources-in-over-8000-villages-across-seven-states/articleshow/72958469.cms Centre approves Rs 6,000 crore scheme to manage groundwater], Times of India, 24 December 2019.</ref>

====Haryana Johads rejuvenation====
{{anchor | Haryana | Haryana Johad | Haryana Johads | Haryana Johads rejuvenation}}
{{see also | Forests_Department,_Haryana#Conservation| l1= Ecology conservation in Haryana }}
[[File:Rithal village hariyana rohtak 0002.jpg|thumb|240px|left|Johad at Rithal village of [[Rohtak district]] of [[Haryana]]]]

In 2007, [[Haryana Irrigation Department]] spent INR435.26 crore (INR4.3 billion or US$7 million) to renovate and restore water bodies in the state for the conservation of water, recharging of ground water, preservation of environment and enhancement of tourism.<ref name=har1>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070507/haryana.htm|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Haryana|website=www.tribuneindia.com}}</ref> A study by the [[Panjab University]] found 60 fish species of 19 families, 11 commercial and 6 exotic species, in the water bodies of Haryana.<ref name=har2>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060908/haryana.htm#5|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Haryana|website=www.tribuneindia.com}}</ref> Water bodies remain under risk from encroachment, shrinking of catchment area and pollution.<ref name=har3>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100730/harplus.htm|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Haryana Plus|website=www.tribuneindia.com}}</ref> In 2010, India's first ever [[diatom]] data basing was done in ten different water bodies at ten different stations in Haryana.<ref name=har4>{{cite web|url=https://www.lap-publishing.com/catalog/details//store/ru/book/978-3-659-21699-2/diatoms-atlas-of-fresh-waters-bodies-from-haryana-india|title=Diatoms Atlas of Fresh Waters Bodies from Haryana (India) / 978-3-659-21699-2 / 9783659216992 / 3659216992|website=www.lap-publishing.com}}</ref> A 2015 study of 24 water bodies of Haryana, found 39 morphologically different types of diatoms.<ref name=har5>{{cite web|url=http://anilaggrawal.com/ij/vol_017_no_001/papers/paper002/Paper.pdf|title=MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF DIATOMS IN 24 DIFFERENT WATER BODIES OF HARYANA, INDIA, Journal of Forensic and Texicology, Saini and Kushwaha, 2016, vol 16, number 1|publisher=}}</ref>

In 2016, the [[Government of Haryana]] announced a plan to map the district-wise map of water flow and to create a database of all water bodies within the state.<ref name=har6>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/haryana-plans-district-wise-maps-of-water-flow-116010600631_1.html|title=Haryana plans district-wise maps of water flow|agency=Press Trust of India|date=6 January 2016|publisher=|via=Business Standard}}</ref> These water bodies have contributed to the economic development through fisheries in the landlocked state of Haryana. Haryana ranks second in India in terms of the average annual fish production per unit area in the country with 7000 kg per hectare average annual fish production.<ref name=har7>[harfish.gov.in/development-fisheries.htm Haryana fisheries annual production average, July 2016]</ref> Fish production has increased from 600 tonnes in 1966-67 at the time of formation of Haryana to 121000 tonnes of fish during the year 2015-16, providing a livelihood to over 30000 families in fisheries sector.<ref name=har8>{{cite web|url=http://harfish.gov.in/haryana-fisheries.htm|title=Haryana fisheries, July 2016|publisher=|access-date=1 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823013051/http://harfish.gov.in/haryana-fisheries.htm|archive-date=23 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 1 November 2017, [[Chief Minister of Haryana]] [[Manohar Lal Khattar]] announced that [[Government of Haryana]] will form the [[Haryana State Waterbody Management Board]]  to rejuvenate and manage 14,000 ponds in Haryana by digging the silt out every year. This includes development of 50 to 60 lakes in [[National Capital Region (India)|National Capital Region]] falling within the Haryana state.<ref name=HarWater1>[http://indianexpress.com/article/chandigarh/haryana-to-develop-50-60-small-lakes-water-bodies-in-ncr-manohar-lal-khattar-4918316/ "Haryana to develop 50-60 small lakes, water bodies in NCR: Manohar Lal Khattar"], [[Indian Express]], 1 November 2017.</ref><ref name=HarWater2>[http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/haryana-to-constitute-pond-management-authority-117110101271_1.html "Haryana to constitute pond management authority "], [[Business Standard]], 1 November 2017.</ref>

Government of Harayana is reviving various johads of [[Gurugram]]. In June 2020, for the revival of pond at [[Gwal Pahari]], the estimates were being prepared to undertake erection of boundary wall, building a walking track around the johad, clearing of bushes and planting of trees and to connect the seasonal rivulet to the johad to ensure it retains water year around.<ref>[https://www.jagran.com/haryana/gurgaon-the-ponds-will-return-again-the-greenery-will-dominate-20584626.html Gurgaon ponds will return again and the greenery will dominate], Jagran, 3 August 2020.</ref>

====Rajasthan Johads rejuvenation====
[[File:Rajendra_Singh_interacting_with_Teri_University_Students.JPG|thumb|left|[[Rajendra Singh]], founder of [[Tarun Bharat Sangh]] NGO explaining the use of johad to the students of [[TERI University]] in [[Alwar district]] of [[Rajasthan]]]]

There was a severe drought in [[Alwar district]] in Rajasthan during 1985-86. In 1985, volunteers from the [[Tarun Bharat Sangh]] (TBS), a voluntary organization led by [[Rajendra Singh (environmentalist)|Rajendra Singh]], came to [[Alwar]]. The Alwar District had once thrived, but logging, mining, and other industrial activities resulted in land degradation that intensified flooding and droughts. The traditional water management system using johads was abandoned. TBS revived the tradition of building johads, an example of traditional technology that provided water for use and recharging ground water. Now smaller cemented johads are popularly known as tankas in most parts of the arid state of Rajasthan.<ref>{{cite news |title=50 people who could save the planet |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2008/jan/05/activists.ethicalliving |publisher=[[The Guardian]] |date=5 January 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Unquiet flows the water in this village |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/04/15/stories/2005041509000500.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050420020125/http://www.hindu.com/2005/04/15/stories/2005041509000500.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 April 2005 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=15 April 2005 }}</ref>

The water revolution spread by tanki and johads in the Alwar district has spread far and wide. Now there are around 5,000 johads all over Rajasthan and this has greatly helped in reducing water shortage and improving water quality.

==Similar water bodies==
[[File:Johad.JPG|thumb|right|View of a ''tanki'' in [[Thathawata]] village in [[Rajasthan]]]]

Following are similar to the johads but are still distinct types of water bodies with specific differentiating features.

===Tanka===
'''[[Taanka]]''' or '''Tanki''' is a rain-fed water storage in the arid areas of the [[Indian subcontinent]], such as [[Rajasthan]], specially in the [[bagar tract]].

===Diggi===
'''Diggi''' is a canal-fed [[Waterworks (disambiguation)|water works]] for rural drinking water supply.<ref name=brink1>August 2010, [http://www.indiawaterportal.org/sites/indiawaterportal.org/files/On%20The%20Brink_Water%20Governance_Yamuna%20River%20Basin_Haryana_PEACE_SPWD_2010.pdf On The brink: Water governance in the Yamuna river basin in Haryana], Society for Promotion of Wastelands Development, [http://www.peaceinst.org PEACE Institute Charitable Trust], page vi.</ref> It is usually a purpose-dug open pond, smaller than the typical johad, often concretised to prevent the water loss.

==See also==
{{div col}}
* Similar waterbodies
** [[Bawdi]]
** [[Check dam]]
** [[Ghat]]
** [[Liman irrigation system|Liman]]
** [[Taanka]]
** [[Tube well]]
** [[Subak (irrigation)]]
** [[Water well]]
** [[Indian Rivers Inter-link]]
** [[Indian states ranking by drinking water]]
* Related regional terms
** [[Doab#Khadir, bangar, barani and bagar|Barani, Nehri, Nalli]]
** [[Bhattiana]]
** [[Chak (village)]]
** [[Deshwali]] dialect
** [[Dhani (settlement type)]]
** [[Doab]]
** [[History of Bikaner|Jangladesh]]
** [[Khadir and Bangar]]
** [[Punjab region]]
{{col div end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Hydrography of Haryana}}
{{Hydrography of Rajasthan}}
{{Hydrography of Punjab, India}}
{{Hydrography of Uttar Pradesh}}

[[Category:Drinking water]]
[[Category:Rajasthani architecture]]
[[Category:Irrigation in India]]
[[Category:Alwar district]]
[[Category:Thar Desert]]

Johad - Revision history

58.182.176.169 at 07:22, 29 June 2021