TED Talks: Building Wonder Season 1 Episode 11 Anupam Mishra: The Ancient Ingenuity of Water Harvesting

Anupam Mishra: The Ancient Ingenuity of Water Harvesting is the eleventh episode of the first season of TED Talks: Building Wonder. In this episode, Anupam Mishra, an Indian environmentalist, uses his TED Talk platform to discuss the centuries-old technique of water harvesting in India.

Through his speech, Mishra highlights the dire water scarcity that currently plagues over 60% of Indian villages. He explains that even though India receives a substantial amount of rainfall annually, most of it is lost due to uncontrolled runoff. This results in desertification, soil erosion, and depleting groundwater levels, causing considerable damage to the environment and the economy.

Mishra advocates for the use of traditional water harvesting systems that have been used in India for over 5,000 years. He claims that these ancient techniques are simple, low-cost, and easy to maintain, and can restore the ecological balance and ensure water security for millions of people.

The talk begins with Mishra showcasing the Johads - small earthen berms built across undulating drainage lines to catch and store rainwater during the monsoons. These structures, which are named after the villages where they are built, can hold up to millions of gallons of water per year and are designed to recharge the groundwater tables.

Mishra then goes on to explain the adaptive methods that the villagers have used over centuries to maintain the Johads, including soil conservation, afforestation, and traditional community practices such as shramdaan (voluntary labor). He also highlights how these systems have created a symbiotic relationship between humans, soil, water, and biodiversity.

Towards the end of his talk, Mishra emphasizes the urgent need to preserve these water harvesting systems, which are currently under threat due to land encroachment, climate change, and urbanization. He calls upon the policymakers to adopt a decentralized approach to water management and incorporate traditional knowledge into policy-making.

Overall, Anupam Mishra: The Ancient Ingenuity of Water Harvesting is an inspiring TED Talk that showcases the power of indigenous knowledge and the potential of simple, community-based solutions to tackle complex environmental problems. With its positive message and emphasis on the custodianship of nature, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in sustainability, traditional wisdom, and the wonders of nature.