Kumaon, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a hub of biodiversity as well as an essential water reserve for most of Northern India. Despite having over 15 rivers and a dozen glaciers, water scarcity has become an impending crisis. The number and discharge level of springs in the Himalayan region continues to rapidly decline due to climate change and inadequate water governance. Responding to the water crisis CHIRAG and rural communities have partnered to rejuvenate springs and develop local capacity to manage community spring sheds. This field note discusses the efforts of CHIRAG's mission and the lessons to take away from their experience in working with communities to recharge spring water and promote community based water management.