[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n Rajasthan, water binds the society. The absence of abundant resources led to people perfecting the science of working along with nature to conserve every drop of water that dropped on this land. Respect for water is evident from the beautiful monuments, gardens and temples built around traditional reservoirs, whether large ponds or deep wells. Most of these structures have fallen to disuse thanks to centralisation of water management and piped distribution to households by government agencies. Besides the structural damage and piling of garbage, rapid construction activities in the catchment area has also affected their utilitarian purpose.
In Pratapgarh city of south Rajasthan, the bawdis are either brimming with garbage or leaked sewage water. At several places, polythene bags have blocked the underground aquifiers which used to recharge them. Baniyon Ki Bawdi near Ram Deora is another structure stacked with garbage. Even the idols of deities on its walls don’t garner enough respect from residents to keep the area clean. “Everybody feels it’s somebody else’s duty. Till 35 years ago, half of Pratapgarh used to take water from here. That was before water and electricity supply was made available,” informs Amba Lal, a farmer who draws water from the bawdi by using an electric pump for irrigation purposes. “This water is naturally rich in soil nutrients which reduce the need for use of fertilisers,” he says. Nanaji Ki Bawdi on Mandi Road is in a much better condition. Enclosed with barbed wire on three sides and a temple on the fourth, it is relatively free of garbage because of low population density of the locality. Migrant labourers working with the local transport company use the water for bathing and washing purposes.
Most of these bawdis may see better days soon. The Pratapgarh Municipal Corporation is planning to rejuvenate these structures by linking them to hand pumps. “The water can be easily utilised for non-drinking purposes like washing. We are planning to get around 14 bawdis cleaned and covered with a wire mesh to prevent further dumping of garbage by the residents. A few privately-owned bawdis are being maintained very well by the owners since they are enclosed by high walls,” informs Kamlesh Doshi, the chairman of the municipal corporation.
Community participation on this issue has been symbolic. “Every year before monsoon, a few residents help clean the bawdis but the momentum is lost after a few days. The real motivation will only come when they start using the water even if for non-drinking purposes,” says Doshi. The stakes are high. If a water surplus city like Pratapgarh can turn the clock back, it will set an example for others to follow.
