Garhwal Post Bureau
Gairsain, 19 Aug: In a landmark development aimed at addressing the pressing issue of water scarcity in the state, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan today launched the ‘Direct Injection Water Source Recharge Scheme’ at the Vidhan Sabha building in Bhararisain. Dhami and Bhushan jointly inaugurated the initiative. Forest Minister and interim Parliamentary Affairs Minister Subodh Uniyal was also present on the occasion. The scheme marks a significant step towards sustainable water conservation through technological innovation.
Speaking at the launch, the CM reiterated the state government’s commitment to resolving the water crisis by embracing advanced technologies. He described the scheme as a commendable effort in the domain of water conservation. At the same time, Speaker Bhushan emphasised that water conservation is not merely an environmental imperative but the future lifeline of Uttarakhand. She remarked that groundwater recharge would serve as the cornerstone of long-term water security and hailed the scheme as a milestone in the state’s journey towards sustainable water management.
It was informed during the event that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the effective implementation of the project was signed on 8 July 2025. Under the scheme, treated rainwater will be injected into defunct handpumps to enhance groundwater levels. The technology, developed by experts from the university, involves filtering and treating rainwater before directly injecting it into underground aquifers, thereby revitalising non-functional handpumps.
In the first phase, 20 handpumps located in the summer capital Gairsain and Chaukhutia development blocks have been selected for recharge and restoration. This initiative is being viewed as a pivotal step towards establishing a permanent solution for water management across the state. During the event, Professor HP Uniyal, Nitesh Kaushik, Sujit Thapliyal, Rajkumar Verma, Atul Uniyal, Abhishek Uniyal, and Shakti Bhatt, delivered a comprehensive presentation detailing the technical aspects of the scheme and its operational methodology.
A documentary produced by the university was also screened on the occasion that showcased the implementation and outcomes of the technology in villages across the Gairsain region.
Among those present on the occasion included Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal, Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi, and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
