Saturday, 29 JUNE 2024 | MANSI BHAMBRI | DEHRADUN
The State government should consult geology and hydrology experts as part of the newly established Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARRA) to address the issue of drying up water bodies, the experts said. They claimed that they have observed that water bodies and rivers across the State are drying up due to factors including improper recharge systems, reduced agricultural activities and deforestation. In order to achieve optimal results, the government should adhere to the geological patterns and structures under the SARRA project.
Professor and head of the geology department at the HNB Garhwal University Mahendra Pratap Singh Bisht emphasised the significance of water as a vital component in sustaining life, noting that at high altitudes, snow serves as the primary water recharge system while at lower altitudes, it is rainfall. Bisht further added that diminished agricultural activity and rampant deforestation are the principal factors leading to the desiccation of water bodies throughout the State. While he lauded the establishment of SARRA, Bisht stressed the necessity for the government to consult hydrology and geology experts associated with SARRA to ensure optimal outcomes. He said that an increase in agricultural activities to rejuvenate the State’s rivers and suggested that tree plantation initiatives under SARRA could effectively enhance river flow. He said that the government should comprehend and seek advice on the suitable plant species for specific areas within tree plantations is crucial for enhancing water rejuvenation in rivers. Shrubs plants are best for rejuvenating water at the rivers. Adhering to geological patterns and structures is essential to achieve optimal results. Bisht further recommended the ecotone method, emphasising its potential to facilitate cloud formation and consequently contribute to water rejuvenation in rivers.
Further, an assistant professor of geology at Doon University Rajeev Saran Ahluwalia emphasised that the depletion of water bodies across the state is attributed to various factors such as climate change, inadequate recharge systems and deforestation. As a result of deforestation, water remains on the surface instead of infiltrating into the ground. He commended the government’s new SARRA project aimed at revitalising water bodies in state rivers. However, he stressed that for optimal outcomes, the government should solicit advice from experts in the SARRA project. He added that solely focusing on afforestation and enhancing recharge systems will not be sufficient to rejuvenate the water bodies in rivers. It is imperative to employ Isotope techniques in the SARRA project to first determine the water recharge system specific to each river. Understanding the recharge system is crucial for successful rejuvenation efforts. He further emphasised that comprehending the geological structure and pattern is vital for achieving the desired outcomes.
