Amidst drought and looming water crisis, the need for practices like 'Kudimaramath' is increasingly felt.
What is Kudimaramath?
In ancient India water was managed through a system of patronage and community control through village councils, particularly in South India.
In Tamil Nadu, during the Chola rule, parts of the Grand Anicut canal system which were maintained by the government were known as ‘sarkari’.
The lower parts maintained by farmers were known as ‘Kudimaramath’ i.e. people’s maintenance by donation of labour.
Under ‘Kudimaramath’, the users were expected to contribute labour for the upkeep and repair of irrigation facilities from time to time.
Works on deepening of tanks, strengthening bunds, desilting supply channels and repairing sluices are taken up under 'Kudimaramath'.
The institution of ‘Kudimaramath’ witnessed a gradual decay with the advent of the British rule as the management of tanks shifted to a centralised channel namely PWD.
Post-Independence too, successive governments failed in their attempts to revive the ‘Kudimaramath’ works.
What is significance of tank irrigation?
Tanks have been an important source of irrigation in southern India.
They are -
less capital-intensive.
capture the run-off resulting from the unpredictable monsoon rains.
conserve water for multifarious uses like irrigated agriculture, drinking water for cattle and domestic uses.
augment groundwater resources through sub-surface recharge.
Rapid urbanisation, dumping community resources into tanks, declining community maintenance, and encroachments have degraded the condition of tanks.
Reports suggest that out of 5.56 lakh tanks in the country, only 4.71 lakh tanks are in use leading to a lossof about one million hectares of irrigation potential.
Fewer rainy days with increased magnitude are predicted by climate experts in the days to come.
Restoring tanks and ponds will ensure adequate water supply even during drought.
What should be done?
The cost-effective method of repairing, renovating and restoring the age-old tanks and other small water bodies should be given top priority.
It is more likely to succeed if panchayats play a pro-active role in the exercise as in Kudimaramath system.
Proper consultation with the stakeholders including the farmers and gram sabhas is essential.
The responsibility, authority and control over the development of water bodies could be vested with the beneficiaries or the panchayats which can ensure accountability as well.
