Technological Conservation of Modern and Indigenous Knowledge for Rejuvenation: A Case Study of Sarni River in Rajasthan

The Sarni River, a tributary of the Chambal basin in Madhya Pradesh, India, had experienced severe ecological degradation due to deforestation, unsustainable water usage, and soil erosion. This study explores an integrated restoration model combining traditional ecological knowledge (Adi Gyan) with modern scientific technologies. Participatory rural appraisals were conducted to document indigenous practices, while remote sensing, GIS mapping, drone surveys, hydrological modeling using SWAT model, and IoT-based monitoring systems were deployed to plan and assess interventions. Results indicated substantial ecological improvements, including a reduction in groundwater depth from 28 ft to 15 ft, an increase in vegetative cover (NDVI from 0.18 to 0.52), higher agricultural productivity (from ∼1.1 to ∼2.0 tonnes/ha), and a revival of biodiversity, with bird sightings rising from fewer than 30 to over 90 species. Community participation expanded significantly, engaging over 500 households. The hybrid approach not only restored the river’s flow to semi-perennial status but also reinforced socio-cultural structures and improved local livelihoods. The Sarni model demonstrates that blending ancient wisdom with technological precision offers a replicable and sustainable pathway for river restoration in semi-arid regions. Recommendations include the establishment of community-led River Tech Cells, incorporation of AI-based predictive systems, and creation of open-access restoration data platforms to ensure long-term resilience and scalability.