Event Details

Topic: SDC participated in the National Symposium on Springshed Management at NERIWALM, Assam

The National Symposium Cum Workshop on Springshed Management was organized by the North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management (NERIWALM) in collaboration with National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). The symposium was held on 18-19 November 2022 at NERIWALM Campus, Tezpur, Assam.

Mountain springs are the primary source of water for the rural households in the Indian Himalayan region. Springs has provided water to the mountain people since ages. The mountain springs are drying up and become seasonal due change in rainfall pattern, global warming, increasing seismic activities in the mountain region, Landuse changes for infrastructure, ecological degradation has majorly impacted the spring hydrology in the mountain region. The problem of drying of springs is felt across the mountain region which is leading to water scarcity in the mountain region.

The symposium intends to identify status, challenges and revival of springs for water availability and restoration of ecosystem through springshed measures in India. The springshed development in the India has received fresh impetus after the release of the guidelines for the New Generation Watershed Development Projects by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India in 2021. For the first time the new guidelines put an emphasis on the relevance of springshed development and its importance to mitigate springs water depletion in the Himalayas.

The professionals, scientist, academicians, government officials, researchers, NGOs from the different parts of India presented their works and shared their experience on springshed management. The team from SCA-Himalayas project of SDC presented the preliminary findings of the springshed activities. SDC is supporting integrated springshed management in the Indian Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Sikkim. The Support comprises hydro-geological investigations at micro level, monitoring springs-discharge and the elaboration of isotopic studies for accurate identification of springshed recharge zones, preparation of village water security plan and capacity building of trainers and cadre of para hydrologist.

The workshop was enriching experience for the project team to learn and understand issues, challenges and innovations on springshed management from the different parts of India.

Team Leader SDC SCA-Himalaya project Ms. Ridhima Sud sharing project preliminary findings to the audience

Deputy cooperation head of SDC India Dr Divya Sharma presenting keynote address during the inaugural session