Water Stress on Springs of Lesser Himalayan Region

Abstract

Springs of Uttarakhand, India are back bone for domestic water availability during rainy and especially during non rainy season even though they are highly ignored. A study was taken up at Chandrabhaga and Danda watersheds in the mountainous region of Garhwal, Uttarakhand to analyse rainfall and spring flow pattern and to suggest water transfer plan to supplement the water availability during lean season. Regular spring flow and automated hydro-meteorological data were collected for July 1999 to June 2010. The second order polynomial relationship is found best fit between annual rainfall and annual average spring flow. Spring wise water availability was compared with required domestic water demand and actual domestic water uses for identification of springs under water deficit /surplus for three scenarios of spring uses such as 24, 12 and 06 hrs in a day. Based on water availability of the springs, the water transfer plans, working under gravity for springs has been suggested. Study suggested a temporary storage of spring water, water transfer plan among the springs and planning to increase the infiltration and water retention power of soil. It is also recommended to promote horticulture along with animal husbandry for effective socio-economic development.