The large water reservoirs built across streams to store excess water during the rainy season are known as dams. They have multiple uses, i.e., prevention of floods during the rainy season, generation of electricity, source of fishing, etc.

The area which helps to drain water from rainfalls, streams and rivers into a large water body like an ocean is known as the watershed. Covering the watershed with trees and other vegetation is highly useful as it prevents soil erosion and helps to retain the rainwater.

Khadin is a traditional water harvesting system found in Rajasthan. It is used to collect the rainwater to recharge groundwater. Khadins help to moist cropping area developed below the catchment areas.

Check dams are temporary or permanent small dams across a waterway to check soil erosion by reducing the velocity of water flow. They are generally built of rubble, concrete or stones. They hold the water upstream which results in percolation of water into the ground, and it recharges the groundwater.