PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Under the aegis of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), a delegation of mayors from ten municipalities of Nepal visited Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) Jolly Grant to learn about the initiatives being undertaken in India for springshed management. As part of this exchange programme, the mayors also shared the work being carried out in Nepal in this field.
Addressing the gathering, the president, SRHU, Vijay Dhasmana said that the geographical features of Nepal and Uttarakhand are quite similar. “Being parts of the Himalayan region, both areas face common challenges such as natural disasters and landslides. So, we have to learn a lot from each other,” he said, adding that both countries should share their experiences of springshed management works being done in respective countries for mutual benefit.
While expressing concern over water scarcity, he said that SRHU has been working in the fields of drinking water and sanitation for the past 20 years, reaching over 600 villages with clean drinking water. “In addition, from the Himalayas to Ganga Sagar, the university is currently working across 31 states and Union Territories in the fields of water conservation, enhancement and skill development.
The vice- chancellor, SRHU, Rajendra Dobhal also addressed the delegation from Nepal.
During the technical session, the advisor at SRHU, H P Uniyal presented insights into springshed work being done in the Indian Himalayan region.
The delegation was also taken on a field visit to view the rainwater harvesting model established at SRHU, showcasing the technology used for year-round rainwater collection. Information was also shared about the university’s sewage treatment plant.
