Kasaragod is land with an inclined topography and pebbly soil. More than 80% of rainwater is runoff, and the existence of rocks makes absorption of rainwater a problematic task. Therefore, the region required a steady and perennial source of water to support its agricultural practices.
67-year-old Kunhambu started digging Thurangams, a traditional and sustainable water harvesting system, at the age of 14 to provide water to the various regions in Kasaragod. With more than 50 years of experience, he is one of the few Thurangam diggers left in India.
‘Thurangam’ in Malayalam is a constricted cave-like structure dug into the divergent sides of the hills. These exceptional cave wells are approximately 2.5 feet wide, 5.5-6.5 feet height and they can be dug even up to 500 meters until a water spring is found. The flow of water is methodically channelized through the Thurangam. The water is collected in a petite mud reservoir to retain groundwater levels and prevent them from flowing to nearby water bodies. Once the water starts flowing from a spring, there is a fixed fresh water supply for years. There will not be a need to use pumps and electric motors.
The earth cannot sustain the impact of digging too many bore wells, making the Thurangam the best choice to keep the ground breathing. Kunhambu says that digging Thurangams requires a lot of strength and determination. Kunhambu carries his pickax, candle and a matchbox as he goes to dig in these caves. Digging caves is a wearisome task, and digging deeper may result in a fall in oxygen levels. Lighting a candle allows Kunhambu to identify when the oxygen levels are deficient, and thus he could plan when his exit from the cave.
Before he starts digging in the caves, Kunhambu makes sure that his practices are aligned with nature. First, he has to make sure that the caves don’t collapse. Then he looks around to find if the plants are thriving. If they are, then he confirms that this is the right place to dig. Kunhambu has gathered this knowledge through years of experience. He shares faith in nature can only wisdom can fathom.
Kunhambu believes that bore wells can never be a replacement for the Thuranga system. Kunhambu has dug more than 1000 Thurangams. Today there are more than 4,000 Thurangams in the Kasargod district, but most have become ineffective because of its decrease in popularity. However, people like Kunhambu are not ready to give up yet.
Kunhambu wants to continue his journey in the depths of the earth as long as he can, in the hope that the Thuranga system can be revived again. While you are at Poothali, it will be a worthwhile experience entering one of such Thurangas.
Pic Courtesy: https://www.civilsocietyonline.com/agriculture/nothing-beats-a-suranga/