Garhwal Post Bureau
Srinagar Garhwal, 29 Sep: The Geographical Society of Uttarakhand (GSUK) is organising a one-day National Seminar on “Freshwater Resources and Springshed Management” on 30 September. The seminar will be hosted by the Department of Geography, School of Earth Science, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (Central University), Srinagar Garhwal.
The seminar is being convened by Prof. M.S. Panwar, Department of Geography.
Freshwater resources, particularly natural springs, play a vital role in sustaining communities, livelihoods, agriculture, biodiversity and ecological systems across the Himalayan region. Increasing pressures arising from climate variability and change, land-use transformation, unplanned development, degradation of catchments and growing demand for water have made the conservation and rejuvenation of springs an important concern. In this context, springshed management provides an integrated and community-oriented approach towards spring revival, groundwater recharge, watershed conservation and long-term water security.
The seminar aims to provide a common platform for academics, researchers, scientists, students, experts, policy practitioners and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues related to freshwater resources, spring conservation and rejuvenation, watershed and catchment management, groundwater recharge, climate change, water security and community-based springshed management in the Himalayan region.
The academic sessions will focus on the scientific assessment and management of natural springs, freshwater resource conservation, traditional water knowledge, community participation, GIS and remote-sensing-based assessment of spring catchments, climate-related challenges and sustainable water-resource management in mountain regions. Experts will also deliberate upon scientific, technological and community-based approaches for the conservation and rejuvenation of Himalayan springs.
The seminar will bring together participants from universities, research institutions and other academic and professional organisations to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, research findings, field experiences and good practices related to freshwater and springshed management.
The programme is expected to contribute to a broader understanding of sustainable freshwater management, spring rejuvenation, groundwater recharge and community participation in the Himalayan region. It will also provide an important platform for dialogue on strengthening local and scientific approaches to water conservation and enhancing long-term water security in mountain communities.
