Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Panel 9. Paper 9.3: Connecting Social And Physical Boundaries Of The Commons : Study Of Kuhl Irrigation Systems Of Kangra, Amit Tandon

ISCCL Scientific Symposia and Annual General Meetings // Symposiums scientifiques et assemblées générales annuelles de l'ISCCL // Simposios científicos yy las Asambleas Generales Anuales

Water has been a lifeline of Indian agrarian society. The thriving agrarian economy requires water for irrigation and the need for resources to the evolution of indigenous technology through generations of communities. Kuhl irrigation system of Kangra is a community managed traditional irrigation systems found in western Himalayan. These are a centuries-old network of interconnected drainage channels that drain water from nearby khads (rivers) into the fields. The irrigation systems have codified customary laws, systems of collective action for maintenance and preservation and various traditional livelihoods.

Kuhls of Kangra is a unique case where the community is owned and managed …