The situation of water sources in the state is alarming as 461 of them have dried up by over 76%, while 1290 have gone dry by 51-75% and 2873 have lost up to 50% of their water content. It's a race against time to save these life-giving sources, and continuous efforts are underway to revive them. Let's join hands in this noble cause to ensure a better tomorrow for ourselves and our planet.
Scientists have brought a ray of hope for the natural water sources in the state that have been drying up continuously. After conducting a study, scientists have revived old water sources in three villages (Than, Sunarker and Tiply) in Tehri that were on the brink of drying up for years. This effort was made under the National Himalayan Study Mission project, and it took three years to accomplish.
Natural water sources are rapidly drying up in the state. There are 461 water sources in which more than 76 percent of the water has dried up. There are 1290 water sources in which 51-75 percent of the water has dried up and there are 2873 water sources in which water has decreased by up to 50 percent. Continuous efforts are being made to save them.
In a collaborative effort, the Teri School of Advanced Studies in Delhi, DVPG College, and the Jal Sansthan came together to conduct a study of five villages in Tehri. The water sources in these areas were running dry, leaving the local population in dire straits with only 15-25% of water remaining. After three years of hard work, the team was able to revive the water sources in the villages of Tiply, Sunarkot, and Thaan, and the water supply has now increased by over 80%! This was a huge relief for the worried population who were concerned about the availability of water for their everyday needs.
Monitoring of all water sources is being carried out.
A new hope has been awakened for all the drying water sources thanks to a project worth 16 million rupees. Dr. Prashant Singh from DAV, Ms. Neelima Garg from the Jal Sansthan, Mr. SK Sharma, and Prof. Vinay Shankar Prasad Sinha from TERI started working on this project in January 2019, which was completed in December 2022. Recently, its presentation was made at the Wadia Institute. Dr. Prashant Singh mentioned that the monitoring of all water sources is currently underway.
Revived water sources were first examined by taking samples of drinking water sources. Then, with the help of the Wadia Institute, isotopic surveys of these villages were conducted. The water samples from the water sources and rainfall were analyzed. Scientists primarily searched for the recharge zone of these water sources. After that, civil works such as canals and drains were constructed to collect rainfall water and recharge the drinking water source. In addition, large-scale afforestation of Banj, Bhimal, Gudiyal, and Bedu was done here. Scientists say that planting these trees helps maintain moisture in the environment and soil.
1514 check dams have been constructed, but rainwater harvesting on government buildings remains incomplete.
The groundwater level in the state is rapidly declining. The Water Department has constructed 1514 check dams in four years, but the government has not been able to make its own buildings fully equipped with rainwater harvesting. Scientists believe that this method can prove crucial in increasing the groundwater level.
According to a report by the Central Water Commission in October 2022, groundwater levels are being monitored through the help of 137 wells in the state. The report states that there has been a decline in groundwater levels in November 2021 compared to November 2011-2020. Out of the 137 wells, 40 (29.20%) have a groundwater level depletion of 0-2 meters.
13 wells (9.49%) have a depletion of 2-4 meters, and 4 wells (2.92%) have a depletion of more than four meters. These numbers are concerning and it raises questions about what efforts the government is making to increase the groundwater level. According to the Water Institute, 1514 check dams have been constructed in the state over the last four years.
Did you know that many government buildings in the capital city lack rainwater harvesting systems?
This means that every year, instead of the rainwater seeping into the ground, it simply flows away through pipes and drains. Scientists argue that if this water were allowed to seep into the ground, it could significantly increase the water table. To address this, a policy was created to promote rainwater harvesting, but unfortunately, it hasn't been implemented yet. It seems like we're missing out on a golden opportunity to improve the water situation in our city!
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