What are Johad and Khadins?

Answer: A khadins, also known as a dhora, is an ingenious architecture layout that accumulates subsurface rainwater run-off for use in irrigation. A very lengthy (100–300 m) earthen embankment erected across the lower hill slopes below gravelly uplands brings the efficiency of the area. Water can be routed out in excess using catch basins and drainage ditches.

Johads are merely water handling and transportation equipment for the rain. These are predominantly full of mud and are formed throughout the slope’s ridges to conserve water. The local moniker for Johads in Jaisalmer is Khadins. In Haryana, johads are increasingly utilized. Johads are small earthen check dams that accumulate and store rainwater, enhancing groundwater levels and maceration.