What are Johads and Khadins

Khadins and Johads are age-old systems of rainwater harvesting primarily employed in India. These are some strategies used in ancient india (mostly) to save rainwater by making some structures on the ground so that water will be stored in them and can be utilized when there is an urgent need for water or water scarcity. Johads are usually constructed in low-lying areas where water can accumulate naturally. whereas Khadins, on the other hand, are rainwater harvesting structures built in Gujarat.

Johads and Khadins are the following:

1. Johads

Johads are small earthen check dams which capture and conserve rainwater, improving percolation (It is the process by which water moves downward through the soil under gravitational forces.) and groundwater recharge. These are spread across more than 650 villages in Alwar district, Rajasthan.

2. Khadin

Khadin is an innovative construction designed to harvest surface runoff water for agriculture. Its main feature is (100-300 m) long earthen dam built across the lower hill slopes lying below gravelly uplands. Channels and spillways allow excess water to drain off.