Reviving Tribal Wisdom: Indigenous Water Management in Ranchi for Sustainability

Abstract (English)

In Ranchi, Jharkhand, tribes like the Oraon sustain life with indigenous water management
systems-mud bandhs, bamboo aqueducts, and terraced fields-rooted in ecological wisdom.
These practices offer solutions for sustainable development amid groundwater depletion and
climate variability. This interdisciplinary study, merging anthropology and engineering, explores
how tribal systems can inspire modern water solutions. With a background in civil engineering
(B.Tech) and anthropology (PG), the researcher uses ethnographic methods—interviews and
community mapping-in Ranchi to uncover cultural and environmental insights. Engineering
analyses assess system resilience and scalability, proposing hybrid models like modernized
bandhs or bamboo water networks. Aligning with the PESA Act and sustainability goals, the
study bridges tribal knowledge with technology to ensure water security and cultural
preservation. The findings will guide policymakers toward inclusive water systems. This
presentation invites conference dialogue on leveraging tribal wisdom for sustainable futures
through interdisciplinary innovation.