20.01.2024
Qanat system , Daily Current Affairs , RACE IAS : Best IAS Coaching in Lucknow
For the Prelims:About Qanat system,Significance of the system |
Why in the news?
Some of Africa’s dry areas face serious water shortages due to minimal rainfall. An ancient system of drawing water from aquifers, the “qanat system”, could help.
About Qanat system:
Significance of the system
○The qanat is sustainable as it works with gravity and no electricity is needed. It can even be used to create clean energy.
○Water lost to evaporation is minimal in comparison to surface water supplies.
○It can have a wide scale impact. Qanats are multiple kilometres long and once this water hits a floodplain, it can irrigate multiple hectares of land.
○It fosters social cohesion. Many people, with different skills, are involved in maintaining the system.
○The lifespan of the system extends beyond that of a deep water well, which is only about 20 years. Tunnels do not clog as easily as wells.
○The quality of water coming from the mountains is much better than water on the plains. It’ll have lower salinity and be better for crops and people.
Source:Down to earth