Indigenous Irrigation Organization in South Bihar
[pic]
TERM PAPER
TOPIC :- Indigenous irrigation Organization in South Bihar
Submitted To: Submitted by :
Dr. C. Shambu Prasad Ranjan Mishra (36)
XIMB Vivek Kumar (60)
[pic]
Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar Post Graduate Programme in Rural Management
ABSTRACT
There are different methods of irrigation in country. Everyone knows of canals and dams, wells and tube wells. Even sprinkler and drip irrigation are not unheard of. But those are not the only ones. There are other methods of irrigations in different states like Bihar. On the basis of its physical features, the Bihar state of India can be divided into three regions – the North Bihar plains, the South Bihar plains (the area north and south of Ganges respectively) and the Bihar plateau also known as Chotanagpur plateau. Ahar-pyne system of indigenous irrigation is historically the most important source of irrigation in South Bihar and even today provides a shining example of participatory irrigation management. "This indigenous system is the outcome of the natural conditions and physical configuration of the country, and has been evolved to meet the obstacles which they place in the way of cultivation. This mode of irrigation is widely prevalent because of scanty rainfall, a rapid slope off which the water quickly runs off, and a soil which is either a stiff clay or a loose sand equally unretentive of moisture. “Ahar” is actually a tank which receives its supply from small rivers through diversion channel called desiyan “pyne”.
What are the “ahar” and “pyne”?
Ahars are reservoirs and consist of a major embankment across the line of the drainage with two side embankments
TERM PAPER
TOPIC :- Indigenous irrigation Organization in South Bihar
Submitted To: Submitted by :
Dr. C. Shambu Prasad Ranjan Mishra (36)
XIMB Vivek Kumar (60)
[pic]
Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar Post Graduate Programme in Rural Management
ABSTRACT
There are different methods of irrigation in country. Everyone knows of canals and dams, wells and tube wells. Even sprinkler and drip irrigation are not unheard of. But those are not the only ones. There are other methods of irrigations in different states like Bihar. On the basis of its physical features, the Bihar state of India can be divided into three regions – the North Bihar plains, the South Bihar plains (the area north and south of Ganges respectively) and the Bihar plateau also known as Chotanagpur plateau. Ahar-pyne system of indigenous irrigation is historically the most important source of irrigation in South Bihar and even today provides a shining example of participatory irrigation management. "This indigenous system is the outcome of the natural conditions and physical configuration of the country, and has been evolved to meet the obstacles which they place in the way of cultivation. This mode of irrigation is widely prevalent because of scanty rainfall, a rapid slope off which the water quickly runs off, and a soil which is either a stiff clay or a loose sand equally unretentive of moisture. “Ahar” is actually a tank which receives its supply from small rivers through diversion channel called desiyan “pyne”.
What are the “ahar” and “pyne”?
Ahars are reservoirs and consist of a major embankment across the line of the drainage with two side embankments
References: 1. Tanner, E.L. 1919. Final Report on the Survey and Settlement Operations in the District of Gaya, 1911-1918. Bihar and Orissa Government, Patna. 2. Water Harvesting Systems: Traditional Systems. www.rainwaterharvesting.org. 3. www.indiawaterportal.org/arghyam/rainwaterharvesting.htm LEARNING POINTS:- 1. Traditional water harvesting have been often ignored and misunderstood. These systems have withstood the test of time. Their history of survival could have been regarded as proof of their eco-viability and efficiency. 2. Modern engineering knowledge would certainly improve the traditional water system. 3. Compared to the modern irrigation methods , the traditional ahar and pyne system proves to be more efficient and economical and is being adapted in foreign countries like UK and Philippines.