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Sustainability of tunnel wells in a changing agrarian context: A case study from South India

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  • Balooni, Kulbhushan
  • Kalro, A.H.
  • Kamalamma, Ambili G.

Abstract

We analyze tunnel wells (surangams), traditional water harvesting systems, which have been innovated and nurtured by farmers in the Enmakaje panchayat in the state of Kerala in South India for decades. We show how the genesis and design of the indigenous knowledge-based water harvesting systems are shaped by agro-ecological conditions. We also identify issues that affect the sustainability of tunnel wells in the changing agrarian context in this region. The significance of tunnel wells is declining, even though the smallholders, who dominate the agricultural landscape, are highly dependent on tunnel wells to meet their water requirements. Grass roots efforts are needed to revive this traditional water harvesting system.

Suggested Citation

  • Balooni, Kulbhushan & Kalro, A.H. & Kamalamma, Ambili G., 2010. "Sustainability of tunnel wells in a changing agrarian context: A case study from South India," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 97(5), pages 659-665, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:97:y:2010:i:5:p:659-665
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vineetha Menon & Antonyto Paul & K.N. Nair, 2005. "Dynamics of irrigation institutions: Case study of village panchayat in Kerala," Centre for Development Studies, Trivendrum Working Papers 367, Centre for Development Studies, Trivendrum, India.
    2. Brigit Joseph & K.J. Joseph, 2005. "Commercial Agriculture in Kerala after the WTO," South Asia Economic Journal, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka, vol. 6(1), pages 37-57, March.
    3. Balooni, Kulbhushan & Kalro, A.H. & Kamalamma, Ambili G., 2008. "Community initiatives in building and managing temporary check-dams across seasonal streams for water harvesting in South India," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 95(12), pages 1314-1322, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kulbhushan Balooni & L. Venkatachalam, 2016. "Managing Water for Sustainable Development: An Indian Perspective," IIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review, , vol. 5(1), pages 1-1, January.
    2. Khodarahm Bazzi, 2012. "Qanat and Its Challenges in Ferdows County-Iran," International Journal of Geography and Geology, Conscientia Beam, vol. 1(2), pages 42-51.
    3. Mohammad Valipour & Abdelkader T. Ahmed & Georgios P. Antoniou & Renato Sala & Mario Parise & Miquel Salgot & Negar Sanaan Bensi & Andreas N. Angelakis, 2020. "Sustainability of Underground Hydro-Technologies: From Ancient to Modern Times and toward the Future," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-31, October.

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