Survey to rejuvenate springs in the pipeline
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 24 2025:
The Union Ministry of Water Resources has sanctioned Rs 2,700 crore for conservation and rejuvenation of springs in India.
In line with this, a survey will soon be conducted in Manipur too, said Forest, Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary, Arunkumar Sinha today.
He said this during the second interdepartmental round table conference on Springshed Management held at Hotel Imphal.
The conference was organised by the State Directorate of Environment and Climate Change.
During the discussion, the Principal Secretary said spring-wells remain the only source of water for people in the hill region of Manipur.
There has been a decline in the number of natural springs in the Himalayan region, according to a 2018 report of the NITI Aayog, he said.
The decline may be attributed to anthropogenic activities related to development and degrading environment, he added.
When natural springs in the hills dry up, rivers in the plain will also dry up, and people will face acute shortage of water.
Therefore, conserving springs is of utmost importance, he said.
Beside, the steps being taken up to conserve springs, Arunkumar said that the Government has been implementing various projects to rejuvenate wetlands and rivers including Nambul.
He said, as many as 134 wetlands have been identified for conservation in Manipur.
The future of the State, especially that of the valley depends on the health of the forests in the hills.
When forests are not conserved and protected, Manipur may face serious and devastating impacts of climate change, he added.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Anurag Bajpai too underscored the importance of rejuvenating natural springs for water security.
The society is collectively responsible for the declining state of natural springs, he said.
90 percent of the State is hilly area, where most of the springs are found.
Despite having maximum numbers of springs, the hill districts of Ukhrul, Chandel and Churachandpur have faced acute water shortage and drought-like situations, Anurag said, pointing out that the factor causing it may be linked to degrading environment.
He said, a 2023 report Forest Survey of India has revealed significant loss of forest cover in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Pherzawl etc.
Long term planning is required to conserve forest and rejuvenate springs.
Springs not only provide water but also regulate local temperature, he said.
Water security is of utmost importance.
Conserving forest and springs requires the help and awareness of the public, Anurag said.
Environment and Climate Change Director, Dr T Brajakumar said climate change or global warming has significantly affected rainfall in the North East region including Manipur.
One of the reasons for the shrinking underground aquifers is a decline in the amount of rainfall, he said.
Due to changing climate conditions, the number of days Himalayan region receives rain in a year has reduced.
The Himalayan region has lost about 50 percent of natural springs, he said.
Springs are the sources of water that feed rivers.
Loss of springs directly impacts the rivers, he added.
A draft road-map for conserving springs will be introduced during the conference and additional inputs will be added wherever necessary, he said.
Conserving the springs needs the cooperation and assistance of the local population, he added.
Forest Department's Project Director/CCF L Joykumar, officials of several departments, University intellectuals and subject experts attended the conference.
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