Naulas are natural water bodies found in the Himalayan region and are constructed in a place where water is tapped from underground leakage or natural springs to meet the water requirements of local communities for household consumption.
Naula is a waterbody found on the Himalayan regions of Kumaon, [1] built on the surroundings of dhara, a natural spring which appears depending on the water flows in lower levels of surface, by digging a pit and to store the water and protecting it by construction of stone walls around it. [2] Naulas are said to be originated more than 1000 years back [3] and the last one was said to be constructed around 75 years back. [4][ when?]
Naulas are basically found in Himalayan regions of India. [5] [6] Naulas are a major source of drinking water for people living in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand. [7]
Naulas have the roof and walls built with local stones but the surface is covered with small stone pieces or left natural for water filtration. [2] The number of steps in Naula are usually in odd numbers of 3,5,7 and likewise. [8] Four sides roof of a Naula is designed to look like a temple and many of them have representations and designs of different deities in the form of gods and goddesses [9] [10] or lights to guide the thirsty passer-by. Households not having temple at home visit Naula to offer their prayers and light an oil lamp and submit their offerings. [11]
Existence of Naulas have been facing challenges of due to ecological damages resulting from pollution, deforestation etc. [12] [13]
Naulas are natural water bodies found in the Himalayan region and are constructed in a place where water is tapped from underground leakage or natural springs to meet the water requirements of local communities for household consumption.
Naula is a waterbody found on the Himalayan regions of Kumaon, [1] built on the surroundings of dhara, a natural spring which appears depending on the water flows in lower levels of surface, by digging a pit and to store the water and protecting it by construction of stone walls around it. [2] Naulas are said to be originated more than 1000 years back [3] and the last one was said to be constructed around 75 years back. [4][ when?]
Naulas are basically found in Himalayan regions of India. [5] [6] Naulas are a major source of drinking water for people living in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand. [7]
Naulas have the roof and walls built with local stones but the surface is covered with small stone pieces or left natural for water filtration. [2] The number of steps in Naula are usually in odd numbers of 3,5,7 and likewise. [8] Four sides roof of a Naula is designed to look like a temple and many of them have representations and designs of different deities in the form of gods and goddesses [9] [10] or lights to guide the thirsty passer-by. Households not having temple at home visit Naula to offer their prayers and light an oil lamp and submit their offerings. [11]
Existence of Naulas have been facing challenges of due to ecological damages resulting from pollution, deforestation etc. [12] [13]