What world can learn from Korea's 15th-century rain gauge
In Korea, one such lesson dates back to the 15th century. In 1441, during the reign of King Sejong, Korea established the world's first official rain gauge (cheugugi) — a cylindrical copper instrument — and also created a state-administered rain monitoring network.
This wasn't just a technical invention; it was part of a wider policy. On September 3 of that year, according to the Annals of the Choson Dynasty (a UNESCO Memory of the World record), local magistrates across the country were ordered to measure rainfall regularly and report it to the central government.
This system represented one of the earliest forms of climate data governance and set a precedent for valuing rain as a measurable, manageable and fairly governed resource — a public good to be shared and respected. It also reflected a philosophical tradition in Korea of respecting rain not as a curse, but as a gift — one that must be understood, welcomed and shared.
India too has a rich tradition of rainwater harvesting, spanning from the Vedic period and the Indus–Sarasvati Valley civilisation (3,000–1,500BC) to the 19th century. Throughout diverse ecological zones, Indian communities developed decentralised systems to capture and store rainwater. The archaeological site of Dholavira in Gujarat, for example, featured sophisticated reservoirs designed to collect monsoon runoff.
Historical records, including ancient inscriptions, temple documents and folk traditions, indicate that these systems were not only engineered but also governed, with established rules for sharing, maintaining and investing in water as a communal resource. In some regions of India, every third house had its well. Although these practices declined during colonial rule, they are now being revived by local communities, government initiatives, and non-governmental organisations.
The revival of traditional wells is gaining momentum, particularly in urban areas facing water scarcity. For example, in the city of Bengaluru in southern India, local communities and organisations are using age-old well-digging techniques to tap into shallow aquifers. These efforts are often supported by the state or central government, as well as specialists and organisations, including the Biome Environmental Trust, Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, and the Centre for Science and Environment.
India's current prime minister has also launched a campaign called Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain as part of a nationwide effort to restore and promote community-led rainwater harvesting.
Reviving ancient wisdom In Korea, there's also been a resurgence of this ancient wisdom in modern contexts. Although urban initiatives like the Star City rainwater management system show promise, the movement towards reviving old practices like rainwater harvesting is still growing.
Meanwhile, in Cambodia, the Rain School Initiative empowers students and teachers to manage rainwater for drinking and climate education. Rainwater is not just a technical solution — it is a cultural key to resilience. It offers autonomy, sustainability and hope.
That is why we propose to establish UN Rain Day on September 3, in recognition of Korea's historical contribution and in celebration of global rain literacy. It is a symbolic date that reminds us how rain has shaped civilisations and how it can shape our future — if only we choose to listen to the wisdom of water.
Designating international days has proven effective in raising awareness and catalysing global action. For instance, World Water Day (March 22) has spurred international cooperation and policymaking on water issues since its establishment in 1993. World Toilet Day (November 19) has elevated the global conversation around sanitation and public health.
A UN Rain Day would spotlight rain as a vital yet often overlooked resource. This is something that's especially crucial for climate adaptation in monsoon regions and beyond. (The Conversation) SKS GSP
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments
First Published:
August 05, 2025, 11:15 IST
News agency-feeds What world can learn from Korea's 15th-century rain gauge
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Shri Tara Devi Hill green belt: at the centre of SC warning about environmental destruction in Himachal, legal tussle
The Shri Tara Devi Hill in Shimla, recently brought under environmental protection, was at the centre of the Supreme Court's July 28 order in which it expressed apprehension that 'the day is not far when the entire state of Himachal Pradesh may vanish in thin air from the map of the country'. While local residents welcome the conservation efforts —the Himachal Pradesh government on June 6 declared the Shri Tara Devi Hill a green area—they also rue the fact that they cannot undertake any development activities on their land. The Himacal government's notification encompasses hundreds of acres of dense forest, which has deodar, chir pine, and baan (oak) species, and is home to a small section of the UNESCO-protected Kalka-Shimla heritage railway line as well as the shrine of Tara Devi, perched atop the hill. The Tara Devi Hill area, which falls under the jurisdiction of two gram panchayats Badai and Anandpur, was the 26th notified green belt in the Shimla district. The notification stated that no new private construction should be allowed except reconstruction or addition and alteration in an existing building with prior approval of the state government. The construction activities pertaining to the Shri Tara Mata complex, if any, should be carried out by the temple trust with prior approval of the state government. 'Except for the temple premises on the hilltop, most of the green area, including the dense deodar, chir pine and baan forest, falls under the Badai gram panchayat. The forest area is full of wild animals, including leopards. The division between the two panchayats is clearly demarcated in the revenue records,' said Raman Thakur, a member of the Anandpur gram panchayat. Arun Sharma, the pradhan of the Badai gram panchayat, said nearly 90 per cent of the Shri Tara Devi Hill green area lies within their jurisdiction. 'A small hamlet called Duggal Cottage, comprising over two dozen houses, has come under the new green area notification. Apart from this, there are about half a dozen scattered residential structures and several small privately owned plots,' he said. 'While we appreciate the state government's move to safeguard the environment, locals owning land in these areas now face serious restrictions. They can barely undertake any development activity even on their own land,' Sharma said. As per the government notification, the boundary of the green area begins at Shoghi on National Highway 5 (Kalka-Shimla highway), near the building of Rajender, which is adjacent to the Food Plaza and Tyre Retreat. From there, the boundary extends straight uphill to the Shoghi-Mehli Road, excluding any existing buildings and their premises. Next, it follows the Shoghi-Mehli Road toward Mehli, continuing up to the railway over-bridge. It then follows the Kalka-Shimla railway track from this overbridge to the entry point of tunnel No. 91. A straight line is then drawn from the entry point of tunnel No. 91 to the junction of NH-5 and the Totu/airport bypass road, crossing the hill between the railway line and NH-5. Finally, the boundary follows NH-5 back towards Shoghi, returning to the starting point near the building of Rajender, adjacent to the Food Plaza and Tyre Retreat. Supreme Court refuses to interfere with high court order The Supreme Court's remarks came while hearing a plea filed by a resort group, Pristine Hotels and Resorts, which first challenged the green area notification in the Himachal Pradesh High Court. On July 2, the high court division bench of Justices Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Sushil Kukreja dismissed the petition stating that the the petitioner did not have locus standi because it had not acquired any interest within the state of Himachal Pradesh, and its rights were not affected or governed by the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act, or the notification dated June 6. The high court noted that the petitioner was not a 'person aggrieved'. When the resort group approached the Supreme Court, it refused to interfere with the high court's decision and said, 'A plain reading of the notification indicates that the area has been declared a green area. Once such a declaration is made, construction is restricted. The petitioner appears to want to build a resort, but the notification stands in the way.' Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Advocate General Anup Kumar Rattan said, 'In a way, the apex court has acknowledged our commitment to preserving Shimla's environment. We took a clear and consistent stand — first in the high court and then in the Supreme Court — and the court accepted our position. The petitioner, a resort and hotel group, wants to build a commercial complex in the area. Indeed, the apex court expressed concerns over many issues in its July 28 order. We will submit our reply before the court.' Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Munish Rampal, who oversees the Tara Devi Hill green area, said new construction is strictly prohibited. 'Only reconstruction or limited alterations to existing structures are allowed, and that too with prior state government approval,' he said. He further said this is not the first such green zone in Shimla. 'There are 25 other green belts in the city, including Nabha, Tutikandi, Khalini, and Phagli-Lalpani, which are governed by similar restrictions.'
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
Father in ICU: Son remains in US for multi-million dollar deal; friend says, ‘His American dream mattered more'
A deeply personal and emotionally charged post by Gaurav Kheterpal, founder of a multi-cloud expertise startup, has triggered an intense discussion online over the erosion of Indian family values in an increasingly globalised world. In a post titled 'Is the Indian family system dead?', Kheterpal shared a harrowing incident involving a close friend (referred to as 'X'), who had been living in the United States for 15 years while his elderly father—aged 84—lived alone in Jaipur following the passing of his wife three years ago. Kheterpal revealed that he received a 'frantic call at 3 AM' from his friend, asking him to check on his ailing father who was feeling unwell. Responding immediately, Kheterpal and a few friends rushed the elderly man to a hospital, where he was diagnosed with a cardiac arrest followed by multiple organ failure. 'We got him the best possible treatment, he stabilised, and few of his relatives showed up — none of whom was ready to pay any bills, shoulder responsibility etc,' he wrote. What followed was, in Kheterpal's words, 'unbelievable' and 'shook me to the core.' Despite his father being in critical condition in the ICU, X remained in the US to work on what he called a 'multi-million dollar deal.' He only flew to India after his father's death — staying for three days and leaving right after the baithak. 'No Asthi Visarjan, none of the other rituals stating that these are all superstitions which we don't believe in,' Kheterpal added, expressing his dismay at how the family rituals were brushed aside. Perhaps the most heartbreaking detail: X's wife and children did not accompany him to India. 'She has a job & kids have school,' X reportedly said — a reason that didn't sit well with many who read the post. 'All along, I've believed that the Indian family values, our rituals and bonding are much better & stronger than anywhere else in the world. But this incident has shaken me to the core!' Kheterpal wrote. The thread, which quickly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), has sparked a larger debate over the 'changing face of Indian society', the cost of global ambitions, and the waning significance of traditional family bonds and rituals. While some users sympathised with the practical realities of living abroad and managing careers, many echoed Kheterpal's concerns, lamenting what they see as the growing 'disintegration of Indian family values.' Here are some of the reactions: A user wrote: 'Amusing how you threw your friend under the bus publicly for a tweet.' To which Kheterpal responded: 'Amusing how you threw your friend under the bus publicly for a tweet.' Another user wrote: 'Nobody comes to India just for 3 days from the US. Traveling itself takes one whole day. Jet lag makes it more difficult. His father was already 84, and he must have refused to stay with his son, as traveling and cold weather make it difficult for the elderly to live in the US. He must have arranged to hire helpers to take care of his father. You are clearly targeting your friend here without providing any proof. You even claimed that you paid the hospital bills. If you are telling the truth, reveal the details of the elderly man and his son, along with hospital documents and bills.' Reacting to this, Kheterpal said: 'Quite an astonishing response! In the whole thing, you just noticed the fact that 'nobody comes to India for 3 days.' Your IQ is at a different level.' A third user said: 'Deeply heartbreaking. What once felt rare has now become the new normal…Settling abroad — in the USA or Europe — has become the ultimate goal for many. Returning to India? Not a part of the plan anymore. Back home, aging parents wait silently, hoping their children will return to care for them. But for many children, once the parents are gone, the only plan is to sell everything and move on — house, memories, roots. Shocking recent data reveals that nearly two lakh Indians have renounced their citizenship — a silent goodbye to their homeland. What are we truly gaining... and what are we losing?'
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Chicken Manchurian Isn't Chinese — It's Indian, With A Surprising Cricket Twist
Last Updated: Chicken Manchurian didn't come from China, it was born in a Mumbai cricket club kitchen by an Indian chef. A spicy Indo-Chinese fusion, now loved around the world You might think the dish called Chicken Manchurian came from China, as the name seems obvious. But the truth is far more surprising, and it all begins in India, with a cricket club. Born In Mumbai, Not Manchuria Despite its exotic name, Manchurian didn't originate in China or even in the Manchurian region in Northeast Asia. It was created in 1975 in Mumbai by Nelson Wang, a Chinese-Indian chef born in Kolkata, West Bengal. He had relocated to Mumbai and was working at the Cricket Club of India when a demand for something novel led to its creation. This is where Indo‑Chinese cuisine truly began. The Man Behind The Manchurian Faced with an eager crowd, Nelson Wang combined Indian kitchen staples, garlic, ginger and green chillies, with Chinese sauces like soy sauce and cornflour coating. He deep‑fried small pieces of boneless chicken in this spicy mix, creating an umami-rich dish that paired well with Indian taste preferences. The result? A brand-new fusion dish, Chicken Manchurian, that felt both familiar and exotic. This vibrant Chinese-Indian community ran tanneries, dental clinics, and restaurants, until the 1962 India–China war triggered anti-Chinese sentiment. Many left or were deported, and today only about 4,000 remain, yet the culinary legacy remains vibrant. China Garden And Spread Of Indo-Chinese Cuisine Nelson Wang later founded the iconic China Garden in Mumbai, introducing a new culinary style that mixed Chinese ingredients with Indian cooking techniques. It played a pivotal role in popularising Indo-Chinese dishes like Gobi Manchurian and Paneer Manchurian. His son, Eddie Wang, later expanded the chain to cities including Goa, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, and Kathmandu, spreading this East-meets-West cuisine to a global audience. From Mumbai To The World — But Not China Chicken Manchurian is now a staple in Indian restaurants worldwide, from the UK and Canada to Australia and the Middle East. Yet in China, it remains largely unheard of, its bold, spicy flavours contrasting with the more muted tastes favoured in traditional Chinese cuisine. Still, in the Chinese cities like Shanghai and Beijing, you'll find Manchurian — in Indian restaurants, of course. view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 13:11 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
