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September 10, 2025

Traditional wisdom in harvesting water

Key Points

Traditional knowledge and skills for water harvesting are rapidly disappearing in South India, particularly in Kerala.
The Panam Keni well, utilized by the Mullu Kuruma tribes, showcases unique water harvesting techniques.
Vertical Suranga wells in Kasargod exemplify traditional methods that are essential for water conservation.
Generational knowledge transfer regarding these wells is critical, yet it is dwindling among local communities.

Abstract

Traditional Knowledge is being used in various parts of India for harvest of rain water as well as its conservation. This article examines two such traditional water harvest systems in Kerala state of South India. One is the ‘Panam Keni’ well used by Mullu Kuruma tribes of Wayanad, the hilly district of Kerala and the other one is the vertical ‘Suranga’ well dug in the laterite hills of Kasargod district. Unique knowledge and skill are involved in the development of these wells. This has been passed from generation to generation and perfected. But it is sad that the skill and knowledge associated with these wells are fast disappearing from these communities.

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Cite This Study

G. S. Unnikrishnan Nair (Wed,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/68c1e17854b1d3bfb60febab https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.25173/jtfp.40