North India, bordered by the Himalayan range, is covered by innumerable rivers and rivulets which are used by the local inhabitants to meet their different needs. One of the uses is that of “Gharat”, or local water mills used essentially for grinding.
Constructed from locally available material such as wood, stone, bamboo and reed, such Gharats have been in existence in the region since the 7th century and has mostly been used for grinding grain. Water from the stream is tapped, routed through a chute, and then made to fall on the flat blades which rotate by the force of the water. This in turn rotates a metal shaft, which is attached to the grinding stone.
Upgrading Gharats to meet power needs
Gharats are now being upgraded. With minor changes, the Gharats are not only meeting the energy requirement but could also contribute to the development of the region.
In India’s mountainous regions there are more than 500,000 water mills. The upgraded Gharats provide decentralized power, which is eco-friendly as it is generated by harnessing abundant and renewable water resources effectively. The pre and post installation services of the upgraded Gharats provide employment to local people. So do activities centred around the Gharats, such as pisciculture, bee keeping and horticulture.
Power and employment potential of Gharats
Each Gharat can produce 1KW to 5KW of electricity per hour, which is sufficient for 20-25 households. If all the Gharats are upgraded they have the potential of generating 25000MW/hr or 40,000,000 units of electricity.
With approximately 4 members in each family, this technological upgradation of the water mills would benefit 2,000,000 people. Another 1, 500,000 people can gain employment if each water mill requires 3 people for pre and post installation work.
A beginning has already been made. The Indian Army is harnessing electricity, through Gharats, in Jammu and Kashmir. In Uttaranchal, Gharats are producing electricity which is being sold to the local population.
With minor changes, the traditional Gharats are not only meeting the energy requirement but could also contribute to the development of the region.
