Lifelines of Himachal Pradesh

On my recent trip to Himachal Pradesh, I came across a unique innovation - streams of water (pic above) criss-crossing through unknown hamlets where human habitation was scarce. Had I not been told about their critical importance for the region, I would have probably not even bothered to give them a second look.

These water-streams, or 'kuls', as they are known locally, are man-made structures, which reign in the water flowing from the mountains into areas with acute water- shortage. Now, water-shortage is a mass problem in the hills - so you'd find these 'kuls' practically everywhere in Himchal.

Dubbed as 'lifelines' for the region, locals here, depend on these streams of water for doing most of their household chores.