Civic Sense on Fort Treks: Why Respecting Water Cisterns Matters
Trekking in the Sahyadris is more than just scaling peaks and enjoying panoramic views. It’s about immersing yourself in centuries of history, respecting the environment, and practicing civic sense. Recently, a Reddit post highlighted trekkers bathing near a water cistern at Madangad. For casual visitors, this may not seem like a big issue. But for seasoned trek leaders and locals, such actions threaten the very lifeline of fort treks — the water cisterns.
The Lifeline of Fort Treks
Water cisterns, carved into the rock centuries ago, are not ornamental structures. They are functional reservoirs that collect and store rainwater.
Primary source of drinking water: Trekkers rely on these cisterns for hydration and cooking during multi‑day treks.
Community resource: Locals living near few forts also depend on this water, especially during dry months.
Survival necessity: On treks like AMK (Alang, Madan, Kulang), carrying ration is manageable, but carrying water for two days is impractical. These cisterns make the trek possible.
At Ramblers India, we emphasize during every briefing: Do not touch the water directly. Insert bottles carefully without contact. Even a small act of negligence can contaminate the supply for dozens of trekkers.
Ingenious Fort Architecture
The brilliance of fort builders is evident in the design of these cisterns.
Alangad: Features layered cisterns where water flows from the top to the bottom, ensuring continuous supply.
Kulangad: Known for its vast and beautiful reservoirs, making it a reliable water source.
Madangad: Madangad has very few cisterns, and this scarcity often creates challenges — especially when the fort is crowded at night, as it’s commonly used for stays. In February 2022, our batch even had to shift camp to Kulangad due to the lack of water.
These designs reflect foresight and engineering genius, ensuring sustainability centuries before modern systems existed.
Civic Sense & Ego Clashes
Unfortunately, not all trekkers respect these resources.
Common issues: Washing feet, bathing near the water cisterns.
Consequences: Contamination, scarcity, and health risks for fellow trekkers.
Ego clashes: Calling out such behavior often leads to defensiveness rather than correction.
A viral video from Lohagad fort showed trekkers swimming in a cistern during monsoon. Locals, mindful of the importance of these tanks, immediately intervened. Such actions highlight the need for collective responsibility.
Responsible Trekking Practices
To preserve these lifelines, every trekker must follow simple but crucial practices:
🚫 Never wash near cisterns — maintain distance.
💧 Use water in moderation, even when it appears abundant.
♻️ Remove plastic or waste if spotted in or around the tanks.
🥾 Keep trails clean and follow “Leave No Trace” principles.
These small acts ensure that resources remain usable for everyone.
Ramblers India at AMK
AMK is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the Sahyadris. Beyond the adventure, it’s a place where memories are created and bonds are strengthened.
At Ramblers India, we:
Limit batch sizes to reduce strain on resources.
Provide PPE to every participant for safety.
Foster teamwork and responsibility among trekkers.
Our participants often highlight how these practices make the trek not just enjoyable but meaningful.
Conclusion Civic Sense on Fort Treks: Why Respecting Water Cisterns Matters
Water cisterns on forts are more than historical relics — they are living resources. Respecting them is not just about civic sense; it’s about survival, heritage, and community. As trek leaders, locals, and responsible adventurers, we must ensure these lifelines remain pure and accessible for generations to come. With El Niño prediction for the upcoming season that might impact monsoon rainfall, fort cisterns may hold less water — making mindful usage more critical than ever!
Takeaway: Trekking is not just about reaching the summit. It’s about respecting the environment, preserving heritage, and practicing civic sense every step of the way.
- Mahesh
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