Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 28 Sep: To preserve Uttarakhand’s ancient water heritage, the Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARRA) organised a state-level technical workshop on “Scientific, Architectural Conservation and Restoration of Traditional Streams and Springs” at the Watershed Management Directorate, Dehradun. Social coordinators and junior engineers from all 13 districts of the state participated.
SARRA ACEO Kahkashan Naseem stated that springs and springs are not just sources of water supply, but living symbols of Uttarakhand’s cultural identity and ancient architecture. She called for transforming this conservation campaign into a mass movement with the participation of local communities.
Dr Durgesh Pant, Director General and Senior Scientist, UCOST, stated that the restoration of traditional water sources is a scientific and ecological process. He emphasised the importance of coordinating springshed management, scientific studies of recharge zones, canals, and hydrogeological techniques.
At the workshop, Dr Nagendra Rawat of Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, while giving a lecture on “Zero-Cement Structural Engineering,” explained that the use of cement-free stone corbelling and load-bearing techniques in ancient canals protects structures from seismic shocks. Heritage conservation expert Anjali Bharthari of INTACH and UNESCO-awarded conservation architect A Vijaya shared technical information on traditional material testing, site mapping, and international conservation standards.
In the first phase of the workshop, a work plan was presented for the restoration of 54 historical and traditional canals in the state. Junior engineers were given clear instructions that no cement-based alterations would be made to the original stone masonry and historical structures. Social coordinators were also trained in geo-tagging, GIS mapping, data collection, and, in collaboration with village panchayats, the construction of canals and contour trenches in recharge zones.
This initiative by SARRA has created a strong state-level foundation for the integrated conservation of Uttarakhand’s ancient water culture, traditional ‘Jal Mandir’ architecture and modern groundwater science.
