What are some lesser-known traditional irrigation methods used by communities along the Indus River?

 Along the Indus River and its tributaries, several traditional irrigation methods have been employed by local communities for centuries. While some of these methods may not be as well-known globally, they have played crucial roles in sustaining agriculture in the region. Here are a few lesser-known traditional irrigation methods used by communities along the Indus River:

1. Karez System: Also known as Qanat or Kariz, this ancient Persian irrigation system involves tapping into groundwater sources through a series of gently sloping underground tunnels. The system uses gravity to bring water from aquifers in higher elevations to lower-lying fields for irrigation. Karez systems have been historically prevalent in parts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in Pakistan, which are adjacent to the Indus River basin.

2. Ajrak Bunds: In the arid regions along the Indus River, communities have traditionally constructed ajrak bunds, which are small embankments or bunds built across seasonal watercourses to capture and retain rainwater during the monsoon season. These bunds help recharge groundwater and create small reservoirs for irrigation and livestock watering during dry periods.

3. Farakka System: This traditional irrigation method, found in Punjab province of Pakistan, involves diverting river water into a network of distributaries using temporary bunds or dams made of earth and vegetation. The diverted water is then channeled into fields for irrigation through smaller canals and furrows. The Farakka system is often used for supplemental irrigation during the dry season when river flows are reduced.

4. Khatri Method: This method involves the construction of low earthen embankments across small streams or runoff channels to create temporary impoundments for collecting rainwater and sediment during the monsoon season. The collected water gradually infiltrates into the soil, replenishing groundwater resources and providing moisture for crops during the dry season.

5. Subak System: While primarily associated with Bali in Indonesia, variations of the Subak system are also found in parts of the Indus River basin. This traditional irrigation system involves cooperative water management by local communities, who collectively manage water allocation, distribution, and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure such as canals, weirs, and rice terraces