Springshed Development
Himachal Pradesh's pristine hills are also a source of underground aquifers that often emerge above-ground amongst the vegetation on the slopes, as mountain-side springs. Many hill-side communities thrive aroud these perennial sources of freshwater and hence, it becomes all the more necessary to study & suggest ways to safeguard and preserve them so as to help these communities maintain their water sources.
Towards this, a NABARD commissioned study was carried out in once such cluster of hill-side community under Gram Panchayat Mittian, in Nalagarh tehsil of Solan District.
● Ground-based survey was carried out by the team in Gram Panchayat Mittian, that comprised of a cluster of 7 villages.
● The habitations, slope angles & directions, channels, dug-wells, spring locations were all assessed on ground.
● Using GIS and Satellite Imaging the Digital Elevation Model, Vegetation, Surface runoff, micro watersheds, rain-fed streams etc. were mapped and assessed.
● Based on all of this, a comprehensive springshed preservation plan was developed for the entire cluster of villages, part of the Mittian Gram Panchayat.
● Entire springshed water potential was assessed and the need to replenish natural recharge with artfical rainwater harvesting recharge structures identified.
● Locations of such rainwater harvesting structures was proposed using the lay of the land - slope direction, angles and calculated runoff based on land cover.
● Areas were demarcated as being critical to spring recharge, so that its land cover and pristine conditions could be maintained for sustained recharge of the aquifers feeding the mountain springs.
