The traditional rainwater harvesting system of lower hill areas is being neglected by the government. Much is being said and proposed about the need for rainwater harvesting, but the tradition acumen of the people is being neglected. Traditional rainwater harvesting structures are known as ‘khatris’ in the local dialect. These are used in water-scarce areas of Kangra and Hamirpur districts, commonly known as ‘changar’. The knowledge of forming ‘khatris’ is slowly dying with traditional artisans. Local residents of the Khudian area near Jwalamukhi say local artisans select the place for forming the structure. The basic criterion for selecting the place is the presence of thick vegetation over sandy rock. Artisans chisel a room-type structure around 10 feet by 12 feet with a 45-degree gradient in the hill. It can store up to 1 lakh litres of water. Sources say water percolates into ‘khatris’ through the roof. In some cases, skilled artisans find permanent streams of water in the hills through which water seeps the year round. ‘Khatris’ are generally full to the brims in the monsoon as the area receives heavy rain. In summer and winter, ‘khatris’ are the lifeline of any ‘changar’ area. People used to fetch water from ‘khatris’ during summer. These days, they mostly depend on government supply from water tankers. The water of traditional rainwater harvesting is used for animals and washing. Dr Arun Chandra, who runs a non-government organisation in the area, says ‘khatris’ also help in recharging water in surrounding areas and maintenance of vegetation growth as cement and concrete are not used. He says people used to have their own ‘khatris’, which were locked for the purpose of personal use. With the augmentation of water supply schemes in ‘changar’ areas, only a few are constructing ‘khatris’ now, he rues. To prevent biological contamination of water in ‘khatris’, hand pumps can be installed outside those, he suggests. Hand pumps will give water throughout the year due to storage of water in ‘khatris’, he points out. Dr Chandra suggests that the construction of ‘khatris’ be included in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. People should be allowed to construct ‘khatris’ while working under the scheme, he adds. ‘Khatris’ are a part of the traditional knowledge of people of ‘changar’ areas. The traditional rainwater harvesting system deserves government protection as it saves water and helps in protecting the ecology of the area.