Q&A Environment Q. Write a short note on Ahar and Pokhar. Whar are their benefits? A. Ahar pynes are traditional floodwater harvesting systems indigenous to South Bihar and have been the most important source of irrigation in this region. Ahars are reservoirs with embankments on three sides and are built at the end of drainage lines such as rivulets or artificial works like pynes. Pynes are diversion channels led off from the river for irrigation purposes and for impounding water in the ahars. It is mostly to the credit of these that paddy cultivation has been possible in this otherwise relatively low rainfall area, when compared to North Bihar. In Rajasthan Pokhars are traditional water harvesting structures. Pokhars are ponds with 1-2 metre high embankments built of loose stones and earth on an elevated part of the village. They are fed by surface runoff from the surrounding catchment and help recharge ground water levels (see diagram Recharged). Stored water from the pokhar is channelled out from kothis (outlets). Pokhars irrigate agricultural fields downstream. An average size pokhar can irrigate 2-4 hectares (ha), while the large ones can irrigate up to 15 ha.This water harvesting system used to help villagers tackle water scarcity in summer, irrigate crops and provide fodder for cattle.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 08:01:27 +0000
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