Our ancestors had a very good system of rain water harvesting and they perfected the art of water management. Rain drops were directly collected from the rooftops and stored in tanks built in their courtyards. The rain collected from open community lands was stored in artificial wells. The monsoon runoff was also harvested by capturing water from swollen streams during the monsoon season. It was then stored in various forms of water bodies. The water from flooded rivers was also harvested by them.
 
Water channels found in precipitous mountain areas is called Kuls. They are the main source of water in the villages in the Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh and it supplies water from the glaciers. To avoid clogging in muddy terrains, the Kul is lined with rocks.
 
Naulas are surface harvesting methods typically used in the hilly areas of Uttaranchal. Water is collected in the Naulas which are small wells or ponds by making a stone wall across a stream.
 
Khatris are structures carved out in the hard rock mountain and are about 10x12 feet in size and six feet deep. They are constructed by specially trained masons. They are two types of Khatris: one for animals and washing purposes and the other for human consumption. Rain water collected from the roof through pipes is used for the former while rainwater collected by seepage through rocks is used for the latter. Individuals as well as communities own Khatris. There are some Khatris owned by Government too.
 
It is necessary to use the right method and save water. In many places in India initiatives are being taken to create awareness about harvesting water. The Kochi apartments are taking measures by installing rain water harvesting systems.