India restores ancient hydraulic systems to combat water scarcity

In India, communities are increasingly restoring ancient hydraulic structures to combat water scarcity and climate change. In Alwar, Rajasthan, the Moosi Rani Sagar stepwell—a 200-year-old historical monument—has seen a significant revival. After years of irregular levels and contamination, a non-profit consortium began restoring the system in 2021. By 2025, water levels reached depths of up to 9 meters, with the well even overflowing for the first time in over three decades.

Across the country, hundreds of communities are turning to these centuries-old water management methods. Once considered abandoned cultural relics, these resilient systems are being recognized as effective tools for managing water in an increasingly unpredictable and warming climate.