Here in Lower Subansiri district, the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment recently hosted a focal group discussion on “Water security challenges and spring rejuvenation in the Himalayan region” in partnership with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. 50 participants, including specialists and local stakeholders, attended the event, which was part of the HI-REAP program’s project titled “Scaling ecosystem-based approaches in the Indian Himalayan region for climate adaptation and biodiversity resilience.” The workshop was led by GBPNIHE-NERC Scientist C Tridipa Biswas, who emphasized the need of managing springsheds and natural springs to ensure water security.
Later, using hydro-geological studies, ICIMOD specialists Yogesh Barola and Goma Khadka offered insights into spring ecosystem governance and spring rejuvenation. Additionally, they emphasized how crucial gender equality is to water management programs. With their perspectives on soil conservation and ecosystem management, experts from GBPNIHE deepened the conversations.
The springshed management project had strong support from ZPM Subu Lento, and Kalung villagers actively participated, expressing their struggles and experiences with the diminishing supply of spring water. A villager emphasized the seriousness of the problem by saying, “We experience water shortages during dry seasons, impacting our daily needs.” The importance of fusing scientific methods with local knowledge was demonstrated by the community’s suggestions, which blended traditional methods with contemporary ecosystem-based approaches. The GBPNIHE said in a release that the villagers’ participation brought to light a potent message: community cooperation is essential to sustainable water security.
