Kuhl Irrigation of Kangra on verge of losing traditional heritage

When the world is facing wreaking havoc for irrigation, a well-developed water supply system exists in the Himalayas, locally known as “Kuhl”. Kuhls are well-developed gravity driven water channel irrigation system in Himalayas. Kuhl has long history of more than 300 years in the Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh and best example of traditionally managed communities-based water system. The water in Kuhls is flowing from Khad (glacier melt perennial streams water derived from Dhaula Dhar mountains) and planned in such a way that each Kuhl receive substantial water throughout the year. It is one of the important irrigation systems in the valley ensuring food security to the local communities. One of the important Kuhls system are in the Palampur region of Kangra Valley. The irrigation system plays a pivotal role in enhancing socio-economic conditions. The Kuhls water can irrigate thousands of hectors land in the command areas.

Riwaj-I-Abpashi
“Riwaj-I-Abpashi” (book of irrigation customs) document the Kuhls names, locations, sharing rules and resolving measures. The document mentioned about more than 3000 major and minor Kuhls in the valley. The book preserved information to enhance our knowledge of Kuhls and only book documented on Kuhls.

Importance of Kuhls

Kuhls are important source of livelihoods to many valley dwellers. For instant, Kuhl make hills farming profitable and important for the socioeconomic development of the society and increases economic opportunities. Kuhls provides water to Gharat’s (local grinding watermills) and widely used earlier to grind the grains. The environment friendly Gharat’s, pressing equal weight in slow motion ensures the generated flour to be more nutritious than electrical driven mills. Therefore, a win- win situation for all, saving energy and utilizing natural flowing water potential. Kuhl’s are important for prospering businesses in the valley. The channel water revitalizes the agricultural field, benefiting agriculture businesses and enhancing profitability. Agriculture relied on rainfed water can grow one crops however, Kuhls water allow them for multiple crops production. Farmers can generate better profitability and livelihoods for their family and thereby empowering communities.

Kuhls on the verge of running dry

Kuhl is the unique irrigation channel network in the valley but now on the verge of losing traditional heritage. Now, Kuhls receives intermitted water leaving numerous channels dry during most of the time. Furthermore, garbage thrown in the Kuhls making them choked and contaminated. The impact of cryosphere loss due to climate change along with construction of hydropower projects on the upper reaches is quite evident on the Kuhl’s water flows. Thus, farmers have shifted to rainfed cultivated crops which often reduced the production and also vulnerable to droughts, thereby decreased profitability many folds. Many Gharat’s are now non-functional or defunct due to reduced water pressure or lack of water in the Kuhls.

Role of Kohli’s

Kohli’s are caretakers of Kuhls who along with local communities maintains the functioning of running water in the channels. Kuhl committee appoints the Kohlis and many times, the position is bypassed to the same family next generation. Their role were pivotal in resolving conflicts between farmers regarding sharing of Kuhls water. Kohli’s have good negotiating skills with other Kohli’s and farmers which they gained from past generations.

Possible solutions

Dwellers should get their water rights by providing adequate water supply in the Kuhls throughout the years. The issue should be resolved with concerned authorities through negotiation. Kuhls proved to be best institutional arrangement one can have for the best water management practices. The valley has also set a best example of effective water resource management by communities. Therefore, the problem should be resolved by fostering tailored solutions.

Writer email (shakiriitb@gmail.com)