Question

The following are some statements regarding step wells or Baolis:

A. They are a traditional system of water storage and conservation.

B. They were used as a community resource.

C. They are found/constructed mainly in rain-parched states.

D. They contain only contaminated water.

Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct ?

1. A, B and C
2. Only A
3. Only D
4. A and B

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : A, B and C

Concept:

• Rajasthan faces a shortage of water due to less rainfall.
• Hence, the people of Rajasthan have developed many ways to conserve water since ancient times.
• Lakes and johads were made to collect water.
• Some water from the lakes soaked into the ground and reached the wells and bavoris (stepwell). 
• Step wells (baori) are the traditional method of water conservation.

Explanation:

• Stepwells are so-called because they have steps that lead to the reserve of water.
• In ancient time, step-wells were built to provide water to travellers.
• These step wells were built beautifully.
• Some of them can still be traced.

A. They are a traditional system of water storage and conservation. - Correct

B. They were used as a community resource. - Correct

C. They are found/constructed mainly in rain-parched states. - Correct

D. They contain only contaminated water. - Incorrect (These water are useful for many purposes including drinking so not contaminated)

• The total utilisable water resource in the country is only 1,122 cubic km.
• India ranks 133 in the world in terms of water availability per person per annum. 
• Thus, it is very important to conserve water.
• Water conservation includes all strategies, policies, methods and rules made in order to conserve water not just for the present but the future as well.
• Dams, reservoirs, rainwater harvesting, step-wells, canals are all included in water conservation.
• Archaeological and historical records show that from ancient times we have been constructing sophisticated hydraulic structures like dams built of stone rubble, reservoirs or lakes, embankments and canals for irrigation.