Photos| Jaipur’s community water kiosks face irrelevance

The piyao (water kiosk), a traditional source of respite to wayfarers in Rajastan now faces stiff competition from commercially packaged water suppliers.

Updated on: Jun 07, 2017 11:27 AM IST

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Known for water scarcity and blazing summers, Rajasthan may well leave a traveller high and dry. A recourse exists in piyaos –temporary water kiosks made from khus, sarkanda and bamboo weaved with jute and kept at public places. Often placed by charitable individuals or organisations in summer months, a piyao is also traditionally considered an act of good karma towards wayfarers. Equipped with earthen pitchers, cool water is offered free of cost to thirsty passersby. Once setup, the piyao is a community effort in terms of upkeep and functioning (Himanshu Vyas / HT photo)

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Payal and her father Badriprasad Meena operate a piyao through the summer months near Amer Fort, Jaipur. (HimanSHU VYAS / HT PHOTO)

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A Piyao maker holds sarkanda (cane grass) sticks to be supplied to icecream manufacturers. The declining piyao culture, has forced suppliers to shift to economically inferior crafts. (HimanSHU VYAS / HT PHOTO)

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A cycle rickshaw driver drinks water borrowed from private water camper suppliers. Packaged drinking water is a thriving business in summers and has practically replaced self help means like piyaos, tap water and hand pumps. (HimanSHU VYAS / HT PHOTO)

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Mohammed Saeed, a sixth generation piyao maker has been hit hard by escalation in costs and dwindling buyers for his products. (HimanSHU VYAS / HT PHOTO)

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While the piyao is languishing, the trade of supplying water campers to shops and households is on the rise. Mohammed Jahid, an employee of one such firm says that their taxis ferry around 200 water campers a day. (HimanSHU VYAS / HT PHOTO)

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A good Samaritan refills earthen pitchers kept to quench the thirst of those passing by at noon. Such facilities may often save lives in Rajasthan where temperatures rise beyond 46 degrees Celsius in summers. (HimanSHU VYAS / HT PHOTO)

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The oldest sources of water in the city - its glorious Baoris (stepwells) are mostly dilapidated while those renovated by the government are kept merely as tourist attractions with drawing water from them being prohibited. (HimanSHU VYAS / HT PHOTO)

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Seven year old Payal eats an orange candy while a thirsty passerby drinks from a piyao. (HimanSHU VYAS / HT PHOTO)