Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) is known for its picturesque mountainous landscapes, lush green fields, and the abundance of natural beauty that adorns the region. The area, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is blessed with a temperate climate that typically provides ample rainfall throughout the year. This combination of lush terrain and frequent rainfall has historically been a boon for the people of AJ&K, as water resources were abundant. However, in the past seven months, the region has faced an unprecedented shortage of rainfall, which has led to a severe water scarcity crisis.
This water crisis has caused widespread concern among the local inhabitants, who depend on natural sources like rivers, streams, and springs to meet their daily water requirements. While the immediate effects of this shortage have been noticeable, the longer-term implications are potentially more devastating, affecting everything from agriculture to personal hygiene and sanitation. However, one of the most effective solutions to mitigate water scarcity – especially in a region like AJ&K – is a traditional yet increasingly neglected practice: rainwater harvesting.
The Ancient Tradition of Rainwater Harvesting in AJ&K: Rainwater harvesting is an ancient technique that has been used for centuries, especially in remote and hilly regions of the world. In AJ&K, this practice was once a fundamental aspect of daily life. The people of the region, who traditionally lived in mud houses, understood the importance of capturing and storing rainwater to meet their needs for cleaning, washing, and other daily tasks. This was not just a matter of convenience – it was essential for survival.
Historically, people would channel rainwater from their catchment areas, such as rooftops or surrounding terrains, into ponds or small reservoirs. These ponds, which they dug with their own hands, served as a source of water for cattle, kitchen gardening, and, in some cases, even for drinking purposes. The practice of rainwater harvesting not only helped meet the immediate water needs of the inhabitants but also served as a vital land management tool. By collecting rainwater, they were able to prevent soil erosion, control landslides, and maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem in the region. In many ways, they were practicing sustainable water management long before it became a global concern.
This folk wisdom, passed down through generations, was a reflection of the deep connection between the people of AJ&K and their environment. It allowed them to manage and preserve their natural resources in a way that was both practical and sustainable.
The Impact of the 2005 Earthquake on Rainwater Harvesting Practices: However, the devastating earthquake of 2005 significantly altered the way people in AJ&K lived and interacted with their environment. The earthquake not only caused widespread destruction, but it also disrupted many of the traditional practices that had sustained the population for centuries. In the aftermath of the earthquake, people were forced to rebuild their homes and lives from scratch. As part of the reconstruction process, many people moved away from traditional building materials such as mud and stone and began using galvanized iron (GI) sheets to construct their homes.
While the new construction materials provided greater resilience against natural disasters like earthquakes, they also led to a decline in the practice of rainwater harvesting. The modern homes, with their steel roofs, did not facilitate the same type of water harvesting systems that had been used in the past. Additionally, the lack of awareness and technical knowledge regarding modern rainwater harvesting methods contributed to the decline of the practice.
Despite the initial setbacks, the importance of rainwater harvesting was not forgotten. In the years following the earthquake, one individual stood out for his tireless efforts to revive this vital practice and introduce modern rainwater harvesting techniques to the people of AJ&K.
Syed Zaheer Hussain Gardezi: A Pioneer in Modern Rainwater Harvesting Techniques: Syed Zaheer Hussain Gardezi, a former Director General of the AJ&K Department of Local Government and Rural Development, recognized the pressing need to address the water scarcity issues facing the people of AJ&K. Drawing inspiration from traditional practices and modern techniques, he envisioned a solution that could help the region not only tackle the immediate water crisis but also provide a sustainable solution for the future.
Mr. Gardezi conceived the idea of implementing rainwater harvesting on public buildings across AJ&K using modern techniques. His innovative approach sought to combine the wisdom of the past with contemporary methods, such as the installation of rainwater collection tanks and filtration systems. These systems could efficiently collect, store, and purify rainwater, making it suitable for daily use, including drinking and sanitation.
Recognizing the significance of his work, Mr. Gardezi wrote numerous articles to raise awareness about the importance of rainwater harvesting and its potential to alleviate water shortages in the region. His efforts garnered international recognition, with several organizations and experts praising his vision and commitment to improving water security in AJ&K.
Through his efforts, several newly constructed public buildings in AJ&K, including schools, hospitals, and government offices, were equipped with modern rainwater harvesting systems. This not only provided a reliable source of water for these institutions but also served as a model for the private sector and local communities to adopt similar systems in their homes and businesses.
The Decline of Traditional Practices and the Rising Water Crisis: Unfortunately, despite the efforts to revive rainwater harvesting through modern methods, the traditional practices that once thrived in AJ&K have been largely forgotten by the younger generation. Many people in the region no longer view rainwater harvesting as an essential practice, and as a result, water scarcity has become a pressing issue.
The shift from traditional mud houses to modern buildings, along with a lack of awareness about the benefits of rainwater harvesting, has led to disconnect between the people and their environment. While some public buildings have adopted modern rainwater harvesting systems, the majority of households continue to rely on unreliable sources of water, such as shallow wells, streams, and rivers, which have been severely affected by the lack of rainfall.
In addition, the depletion of groundwater levels due to over-extraction, coupled with the erratic rainfall patterns, has further exacerbated the water crisis. As a result, residents of AJ&K now face severe water shortages, especially during the summer months when demand for water is at its peak.
The Way Forward: Reviving Rainwater Harvesting in AJ&K: The revival of rainwater harvesting in AJ&K is no longer just a matter of preserving tradition; it is a matter of survival. The region’s dependence on unreliable water sources and the depletion of groundwater reserves means that sustainable water management practices are more important than ever.
To address this growing crisis, it is essential to reintroduce rainwater harvesting at both the individual and community levels. This can be achieved through a combination of education, awareness, and government support. Local communities must be encouraged to embrace modern rainwater harvesting techniques, while traditional methods should be integrated into the design of new homes and buildings.
In addition, the government of AJ&K must provide incentives for households and businesses to install rainwater harvesting systems. Financial assistance, technical support, and training programs can help ease the transition to more sustainable water management practices.
Furthermore, schools and community centers can play a key role in spreading awareness about the importance of rainwater harvesting. By teaching children and young adults about the benefits of capturing and conserving rainwater, the region can create a new generation of environmentally conscious individuals who are committed to safeguarding the region’s water resources.
Finally, the government should collaborate with international organizations and experts to develop innovative solutions for water storage, filtration, and distribution. By leveraging modern technology and traditional wisdom, it is possible to create a sustainable and resilient water supply system for the people of AJ&K.
The water scarcity crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. While the region has historically relied on rainwater harvesting to meet its water needs, the decline of this practice in recent years has contributed to the current crisis. However, the efforts of pioneers like Syed Zaheer Hussain Gardezi have shown that modern rainwater harvesting systems can provide a sustainable solution to the region’s water problems.
To secure a water-resilient future for AJ&K, it is crucial to revive and modernize rainwater harvesting techniques. By combining traditional knowledge with modern technology, the people of AJ&K can once again become masters of their water resources and ensure that future generations have access to the water they need to thrive.
