Traditional Water Bodies and the Policy-Practice Interface of Water Conservation

Abstract

India continues to face a clear and escalating “water crises” marked by scarcity of water. There is now an emphasis on revitalizing historical water catchments and rainwater harvesting structures, which would leverage low-cost, decentralized and community centered interventions drawing on traditional knowledge and technology. However, there exists a policy vacuum with respect to revival of the smaller water bodies such as ponds. Through a comparative study of traditional ponds in two districts of two different states, the paper argues that firstly, the state's attempts to revive water bodies has been inadequate and its response has largely been shaped by citizen led litigation. Secondly, third party interventions such as that of corporates under the rubric of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) have shown initial success but are not sustainable. Thirdly, instances of successful rejuvenation of water bodies have been those led by enterprising individuals who have done so by mobilizing the local community.