The Techniques to Maximize Water Retention and Design Optimization of Check Dams in Rajasthan

Water scarcity is an escalating global issue, especially in regions like Rajasthan, India where over dependence on groundwater for agriculture and domestic use has led to severe depletion. This research investigates the question, how can the design optimization of check dams enhance water retention in arid regions, and what is their feasibility for sustainable water resource management in Rajasthan? This study integrates secondary research and controlled experiments on scaled check dam models to analyze the effect of design parameters like slope, curvature, sediment load, and Doha pits. Results show that increased curvature reduced percolation time by 16.8%, while high sediment loads reduce infiltration. The addition of Doha pits and an optimal slope improve groundwater recharge efficiency. A case study from Alwar and Sikar highlights socioeconomic benefits. Overall, well-designed check dams offer a scalable, sustainable solution for water management in Rajasthan.