Water harvesting in coastal areas

Experiences from arid and semi-arid areas in the field of coastal aquifer management where water harvesting and artificial recharge strategies are adopted, are rare and scarcity of data is a commonly encountered problem. However an increased awareness of its potential applicability is taking place and is increasingly being recommended (Rushton and Phadtare, 1989; Goldenberg and Melloul, 1994; Khair et al, 1994). Therefore, there is today a growing need for acquiring knowledge about systems capable of making use of ephemeral runoff waters and river base flows. These systems should require low inputs once established and no sources of energy for their functioning. They should also present the possibilities to be applied at village levels and implemented and managed by local peoples (Raju, 1992). The paper introduces the case of Moti Rayan village in southern Kachchh district in the state of Gujarat, India.