Biprasar Talaab through the seasons
The transformation of Biprasar Talaab began more than a decade ago, when community members from six villages in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, together with Sambhaav members, set out to restore and revive the centuries old taanda—a group of shallow percolation wells called beris. These beris are recharged by palaar paani or surface water from the lake that gradually percolates into the ground, saturating the soil above the impermeable layer..
We revived 24 out of nearly 120 beris, the shallow percolation wells in the centuries-old talaab, with an average depth of around 35′. In a good year of rain the level of water in the beris is between 5-7 feet below the ground. The beris of Biprasar Talaab serve as a secondary water source for 12 villages, supplying water during droughts and after the surface water dries up. Raised platforms called chowkhis were built on top of each beri; these platforms prevent silt from entering the wells, keeping them functional and reducing the need for maintenance. The silted beris were desilted, and as per need the masonry was also restored. Restoration efforts included strengthening the embankment and removal of invasive species. These activities increased the lake’s water-holding capacity through the years. The work has been a collaborative journey. Villagers contributed labor and, even today, continue to maintain the talaab.
Today, the lake and beris remain essential for both people and livestock. They sustain the community and uphold a tradition of resilience and communal effort.
For more details about the work done in Birpasar, you can visit our Flickr album. Additionally, to view documentation on the use, design, and maintenance of Biprasar Talaab, you can visit the resources available on the British Museum website.