Back to news
2 Jun 2016 | News

Building Local Capacities for Managing Springsheds and Reviving Springs

1 min Read

70% Complete

Springs are the primary source of water for many communities living in mid-hills of Nepal.  Changes in social and economic activity as well as in rainfall patterns have led to drying up of springs resulting in additional pressure on agriculture. Hence, spring revival is important to the upliftment of mountain communities. Drying springs can be revived through proper planning which takes into account unique mountain hydrogeology.

As part of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research’s (CGIAR) funded Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE), the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the Advanced Centre on Water Resources Development and Management (ACWADAM), Pune, with inputs from Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, an eight-step approach was developed for managing springsheds and reviving springs with specific reference to the mid-hills in Nepal. The steps involve understanding local spring hydrogeology, developing water management protocols and engaging local communities for reviving springs.

In April 2016, ICIMOD, in collaboration with HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation and ACWADAM, Pune, India, organised two ‘Barefoot hydrogeologist’ trainings in Dailekh and Sindhupalchok districts of Nepal. The trainers focused on providing a comprehensive understanding of the local hydrogeology at each site and its importance for recharging ground water. Twenty-four participants, including ten female participants, took part in the two trainings.  The participants were representatives of ICIMOD partner organisations, locals, and school masters who could learn and apply the eight-step process for reviving springs.

The trainings provided participants with the opportunity to learn hydrogeological concepts both in the classroom as well as in the field. Participants could identify their local geology and understand the properties of rocks and how they influenced groundwater movement. They also gained a solid understanding of the types of springs in their localities. Based on these learning, participants discussed and prioritised three to four springs in their springshed which needed revival.

The project will now embark on activities focused on recharging springs so that revived springs can be demonstrated at the end of the monsoon.

Stay current

Stay up to date on what’s happening around the HKH with our most recent publications and find out how you can help by subscribing to our mailing list.

Sign Up

Related Content

Continue exploring this topic

8 Mar 2019 Gender in Koshi
Breaking Taboos: My Parents’ Stand for Gender Equality

Growing up, our sense of the world – all that is right in it and all that is wrong – ...

26 Jul 2021 News
ICIMOD and WWF-Nepal sign agreement to advance conservation and sustainable development in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

To collaborate on conservation and sustainable mountain development in the Hindu Kush Himalaya, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ...

8 Jun 2016 Livelihoods
Nepal’s Allo Value Chain Goes Green

More and more products and services today pass through a global value chain to reach consumers. The goal of optimising ...

12 Oct 2015 HKPL
Pakistani students learn about permafrost and glacier monitoring

A two day workshop on permafrost and glaciers was held 15-16 September at Karakoram International University (KIU) in ...

31 Jul 2015 News
ICIMOD receives Humanitarian GIS Award

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has been awarded a ‘Humanitarian GIS Award’ at the 2015 International User ...

12 May 2017 HICAP
ICIMOD Knowledge Products Launched at IPCC Event in Kathmandu, Nepal

Adaptation Solution Brief: Strengthening women’s roles as risk and resource managers at the frontline of climate change Launched by Nand Kishor ...

6 Apr 2016 News
World Water Day-2016 ‘Water and Jobs’

‘Water and Jobs – Empowering Young Professional’ was the theme for the 2016 World Water Day celebration program, highlighted the ...

8 Apr 2016 News
Strengthening Flood Risk Management in Bihar

The Expert Consultation Workshop on Improving Flood Risk Management in Bihar was organised by the Water Resources Department (WRD) of Bihar 18-19 ...