Traditional wisdom in harvesting water

Abstract

Traditional Knowledge is being used in various parts of India for harvest of rain water as well as its conservation. This article examines two such traditional water harvest systems in Kerala state of South India. One is the ‘Panam Keni’ well used by Mullu Kuruma tribes of Wayanad, the hilly district of Kerala and the other one is the vertical ‘Suranga’ well dug in the laterite hills of Kasargod district. Unique knowledge and skill are involved in the development of these wells. This has been passed from generation to generation and perfected. But it is sad that the skill and knowledge associated with these wells are fast disappearing from these communities.