In a big move towards enhancing water conservation and restoring natural water bodies, the Uttarakhand government has given a 5.19 crore budgetary allocation for the rejuvenation of three rivers and their tributaries in Pauri Garhwal and Nainital districts. The project will help revitalize the river’s health, increase groundwater recharge, and secure the long-term water security in the area.
The Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARA) will use the approved funds to implement water conservation and catchment treatment activities in river basins that have been identified. These rivers are mostly rain-fed, and their flow has been impaired during recent years as a result of a decrease in rainfall, deforestation, soil erosion, and the growing demand for natural resources.
The project will be concentrated on the Western Nayar river system in the Pauri district, especially the tributaries that it has, which include the Iragad, Padul, Nishni, Syul and Rachuli. It will also involve conservation of the Hinval river basin, which is critical towards the provision of drinking water to the surrounding settlements. These works are likely to enhance the ability of the water to stay in place, prevent soil erosion, and restore the natural stream flow.
Within the Nainital district, rejuvenation work will be done within the Shipra river basin, which will comprise the tributaries such as Thua, Kuleti, Ukina, and Kutiyakhal. These projects will serve to empower local water supplies and enhance the level of groundwater in the neighbouring villages and towns.
According to the officials, the project will entail construction of check dams, recharge pits, trenches and other soil and water control structures in the catchment areas. Also, urban areas and semi-urban areas like Haldwani, Kotabagh and Ramnagar will have recharge shafts installed in order to allow the groundwater to be replenished by collecting rainwater.
It is a project within the greater interest of the state government to safeguard the delicate Himalayan ecosystems and handle the accelerating issues of water scarcity. The government will provide aid to the reconstruction of river systems and enhancement of groundwater discharge, in order to support agriculture, drinking water schemes, and ecological balance in the regions of influence.
The environmentalists have been happy with the move, and they mentioned that it is important to revive the small rivers and springs to help in maintaining the water supply in the hill districts. The local communities will also have an advantage in terms of better water availability and enhanced resistance against drought.
The government of Uttarakhand has expressed its desire to conserve water sustainably and to protect the environment in the long term with the approval of 5.19 crore.
