The World's Most Advanced Hydraulic Civilization

In the Anthropocene — the epoch defined by human influence—our environmental footprint is both impressive and destructive. Majestic dams command rivers, showcasing our power to reshape nature, yet their construction often leads to ecological disruption and community displacement. Urban centralised sewage systems, pivotal for sanitation, routinely pollute aquatic habitats. Additionally, the widespread adoption of industrial monoculture has turned diverse landscapes into vast, monotonous fields heavily reliant on unsustainable irrigation, depleting water sources and degrading soil health, thereby disrupting the delicate balance of hydrological cycles.?

These practices have led to severe environmental challenges, including desertification, soil erosion, and entrenched poverty. The stark desiccation of the Aral Sea and the significant shrinkage of Lake Chad from the 1960s to the 1980s stand as poignant examples. Moreover, many other water bodies around the world are experiencing similar symptoms. These alarming transformations serve as grim reminders of the consequences of severing the intricate connections between natural water systems and climate patterns.?

Despite these challenges, our story is not one of despair. Innovative sewage treatment methods are reimagining waste as a valuable resource. Paradigm-shifting approaches such as decentralized wetlands, sponge cities, and the incorporation of diverse plant communities for natural waste treatment are being explored. Furthermore, the conversion of sewage into biogas for heating and cooking is a powerful example of resource reclamation. These transformative solutions, which I will delve into in a future article, showcase the potential of re-envisioning traditional waste management. As you continue reading, you'll discover the innovative solutions being enacted globally. Drawing upon the collective wisdom of ancient and contemporary societies, we are working towards a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence with our planet.

Through the lens of our satellites, we have a bird's-eye view of events unfolding on Earth, granting us a comprehensive understanding that allows for the sharing of knowledge like never before. The wealth of resources at our disposal today vastly surpasses that of previous civilizations, bestowing upon us a profound responsibility. Our challenge is to use this abundance to construct a future that embodies our highest ideals—societies that are equitable, sustainable, and imbued with human dignity. At this crossroads, we must choose wisely, harnessing our historical hindsight and technological advancements for the betterment of all.

My journey across the world has deepened my appreciation for the wisdom of our ancestors. From the ice storage of Persia using Yakhachal to the desert adaptations of Sahara nomads, each ancient practice reveals a unique facet of water mastery. The Balinese Subak system, a marvel of irrigation and communal management intertwined with spiritual reverence, is particularly enlightening. Such examples of ancient ingenuity lay the groundwork for my exploration of Sri Lanka's Tank Cascade System—a testament to human adaptability and resilience, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Construction of this system began roughly 2400 years ago, unfolding over a millennium as the island's inhabitants honed their tools and techniques. Over time, the vicissitudes of empires and colonial dominion led to its neglect and misuse, leaving it shrouded in dust and overgrown with the tenacious embrace of nature's flora. The Tank Cascade System, once the lifeblood of a civilisation, lay nearly forgotten under layers of time.

Yet, 2016 marked the dawn of its renaissance. UNESCO, the 世界银行 , and HSBC initiated a collaborative effort to resurrect this marvel of ancient engineering. Today, the restoration continues, breathing new life into the channels and basins that once nourished a kingdom.

Cascade Tank System

In Sri Lanka, despite the southern region benefiting from monsoon rains, the northern part contends with a harsher reality. Its clay and rocky terrain, plagued by erratic rainfall and poor groundwater retention, was once deemed inhospitable. Yet, through remarkable innovation, the ancients devised the Tank Cascade System. This network of around 18,000 interconnected tanks across the north ingeniously overcame the environmental constraints.

The cascade tank system is a unique water management system specific to Sri Lanka, consisting of interconnected tanks constructed gradually. These tanks are formed by collecting rainwater in specific catchment areas and storing it in the cascading tanks built by the communities. The tanks were named "tank" because they were constructed for the purpose of water storage and utilization. During the colonization period when the Portuguese and the Dutch colonized Sri Lanka, they called these tanks "tank" because the word "tank" means reservoir in Portuguese. The local name for these tanks is Wewa. The tanks were constructed gradually from higher to lower elevations in proportion to the flow of water. As the lower areas were reached, the tanks grew larger as the flow of water increased.

The water preserved by this tank system was directed to the lands during a time of need, flowing from higher to lower elevations, captured and stored by the cascade tank system at a lower level, and left on lower land to be reused, continuing the cycle. Thus, the system prevented rainwater from flowing from the mountains to the ocean, retaining and utilizing water as efficiently as possible. King Parakramabahu, who lived in the 12th century, expressed the importance of using rainwater efficiently by saying, "Do not allow a single raindrop to return to the ocean without being of use to the Earth and humanity!" This interconnected tank system ensured food security for the island's population and provided a resilient structure against natural disasters. The tanks reduced the risk of flooding during excessive rainfall, while the stored water supported the continuity of agricultural activities and natural life during drought periods. Perpetually green! This mythical system, which underwent evolution and development throughout thousands of years, has been passed down from generation to generation as a legacy, with 80 dams, around 18,000 tanks, and the cascade tank system. Approximately 10,000 to 14,000 of these tanks are still used for irrigation purposes. In summary, this system provided water supply for food production, clean water provision, household needs, ecological services, as well as fishing and aquaculture.

Knowledge can be forgotten, and languages can die, but if there is curiosity and a passion for exploration, I do not believe that an unilluminated secret can exist.

Historically, the ambition of Sri Lankan rulers to construct grand reservoirs and expansive tanks was not merely a pursuit of engineering feats; it was a testament to their commitment to sustainability and community welfare. Across the northern reaches of the island, these monarchs orchestrated the creation of large-scale tanks and canals, crafting a vast irrigation network that spurred the development of village tank communities. These communities, nestled around the life-giving tanks, were the heart of the cascade system, shouldering collective responsibilities from construction to maintenance, and from equitable resource distribution to environmental stewardship.

?The ethos of collaboration was intrinsic to these communities. They worked in unison to ensure the tanks’ endurance, managing water allocations judiciously and maintaining open drainage channels to prevent flooding. Beyond irrigation, the tanks served as hubs of biodiversity, supporting aquaculture that provided vital protein sources like fish and shrimp. This multifaceted approach led to a robust system capable of withstanding the vicissitudes of nature, from storms to droughts, and preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems. By safeguarding the integrity of the tank system, these ancient communities achieved a harmonious coexistence with their environment, securing not only drinking water and food security but also sustaining a verdant habitat for a plethora of wildlife species.

These time-honoured practices, honed over centuries, echo through the ages, and have inspired a resurgence of ecological principles across the globe. Today, as we reflect on the profound impact of the Tank Cascade System and its relevance to contemporary water management, we witness similar principles being applied in initiatives that strive to harmonise with nature and build resilient futures.

Echoing this ancient wisdom, the Saudi Green Initiative , and the Middle East Green Initiative , launched under the guidance of Mohammed bin Salman Alsaud revolutionise the ecological footprint of a region known for its arid climates. These projects embody a commitment to plant millions of trees, reduce carbon emissions, and invest in renewable energy, demonstrating a bold step toward greening one of the most water-scarce regions on Earth. Tamera Peace Research Center in Portugal, Sepp Holzer 's Krameterhof , Andrew Millison 's designs, traditional rainwater harvesting in Rajasthan, and John D Liu 's work on the Loess Plateau in China maybe one of the world most remarkable landscape restoration projects out there or Greening the Desert Project of Geoff Lawton in Jordan are but a few examples of the innovative projects around the world that reflect the integration of ancient knowledge with modern innovation. Together, these initiatives form a global tapestry of solutions geared towards securing water resilience for future generations, showcasing the enduring power of past lessons to guide present and future actions.

We are the architects of the future, with the water channels of Sri Lanka as a reminder of the lasting impact our actions can have. Just as these ancient structures have served their people for millennia, the structures we build today—physical, social, and political—must aim to liberate and enrich humanity for thousands of years to come. By directing our efforts towards sustainability, community welfare, and the conservation of natural resources, we uphold the responsibility of leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

The restoration of the cascade tank system has gained even greater importance in recent times. World Health Organization Office at the EU Anjalee D. Lucky Dissanayake People in the areas where village tanks have lost their functionality are forced to dig deep wells. Scientific studies have shown that the long-term use of deep well water by the island's population leads to fatal kidney diseases. Between 14% and 22% of the population on the island is living with chronic kidney disease, and there are scientists who argue that heavy metals such as fertilizers, pesticides, and accumulated lead in the soil used for industrial agriculture are the causes, although the causes have not been definitively determined. For this reason, the filtering and purification capability of the cascade system is crucial for communities. We hope that the restoration process will be expedited urgently. Political issues and instability on the island have hindered this restoration process. I hope to revisit this topic and provide you with further updates in the future.

In closing, the modern states, and capitalist powers of today often prioritize short-term gains, acting without full environmental awareness. Yet, if we harness the respect and understanding that ancient communities had for nature—applying their wisdom to our contemporary challenges—we too can live in harmony with the world around us. As we grow in understanding and align our actions with the rhythm of nature, we can find greater happiness and fulfilment. I trust this article has sparked both concern and hope, inviting reflection and inspiring action towards a sustainable future.

These are some links for your convenience if you like to learn more about these projects! Rethink Events

warm regards,

Borgahan Gumussoy