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The Rato Watering System in Goharabad

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In the Gohar Abad region, there was a unique watering system operating day and night. In the local Shina language, it was called rato, which means "from evening to morning." This method was used to irrigate fields, plant trees, and grow grass. Each family had their own turn for rato, ensuring that everyone got a fair share of the water. Gohar Abad, comprising many villages, still uses this system in every village. During times of water scar-city, when water flow from the spring (chashma) was reduced, they ingeniously built large water tanks to collect and store water. After a few hours, the tanks would be filled, after which they would be opened to irrigate the fields. Remarkably, this system was implemented without the use of cement, relying instead on the villagers' hands and labor. The rato system exemplifies the resourcefulness and cooperation within the community, showcasing a sustainable method of irrigation that has stood the test of time.
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Najam Khan; Andreas Bürkert; Martin Wiehle; Eva Schlecht; Ellen Hoffmann. (2025). The Rato Watering System in Goharabad. DaKS. https://doi.org/10.48662/daks-110

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Except where otherwised noted, this item's license is described as Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA