Abstract

Water scarcity in semi-arid regions like Rajasthan, India, necessitates management strategies that are both ecologically sound and socially sustainable. Top-down, engineering-focused approaches have often fallen short, prompting a renewed interest in community-led initiatives grounded in traditional wisdom. However, rigorous analysis of how traditional and scientific knowledge systems can be effectively integrated at the local level remains limited. This paper addresses this gap through a community-based participatory research (CBPR) case study of a revitalized johad (a traditional rainwater harvesting structure) in the Karauli district of Rajasthan. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, framing the project within the theoretical lenses of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and CBPR. It evaluates the outcomes of community-led conservation interventions by triangulating quantitative, time-series data on key limnological parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, nitrates) with qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with community members. The results reveal distinct seasonal dynamics in the pond’s ecosystem, with a pronounced turbidity spike during the monsoon that is effectively mitigated by community-managed interventions. The triangulated analysis demonstrates a strong congruence between measured improvements in water quality and the community’s own perceived ecological and social benefits. The findings underscore that the success of the initiative stems not just from physical restoration but from the revitalization of the johad as a socio-ecological system, governed by local institutions and informed by TEK. This case study provides a replicable model for water governance, suggesting that national policies like the Jal Jeevan Mission could be enhanced by integrating bottom-up, participatory approaches that empower communities as knowledgeable stewards of their water resources.

Authors

Surendra Singh
Rajasthan Technical University, India

Keywords

Water Management, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Community-Based Participatory Research, Water Security, Socio-Hydrology, Sustainable Development