Design of a Rain Water Harvesting Structure – Case Study in the Foothills of Siwaliks

A rainwater harvesting structure has been designed in the foothills of Siwalik. The region is dependent on rain for cultivation. The area is undulating and the aquifers are deep making canal and groundwater irrigation unfavourable. The average annual rainfall of the area is approximately 762 mm and occurs mostly during monsoon months. The sudden occurrence of rainfall causes soil erosion and formation of gullies and most of the fertile land turns unfertile. If the excess water available during monsoon is conserved, it will not only increase agricultural productivity but also prevent soil loss and help in modifying the microclimate of the area. The study conveys an approach to water resources management through rain water harvesting structure at Ballowal-Sounkhri Village in Kandi area, Hoshiarpur district of Punjab. The study infers that if the excess rain water is stored in the catchment and is conveyed through small channels to the field as per the agricultural requirements in different seasons of the year, it will increase agricultural production in the area, reduce soil loss and groundwater recharge.