Relationship between freshwater springs and associated flora
Project Background
The Himalayas, known for their snow-capped mountains and medicinal plants, are much more than beautiful hill stations and herb-rich landscapes—they are a complex and interconnected ecosystem. Often referred to as the "Third Pole" due to the vast volume of freshwater they harbour (the largest outside the two poles), the Himalayas are a source of countless rivers and lifeforms that depend on them. The streams and springs originating in these mountains sustain not only Himalayan wildlife and people but also millions downstream in the Indo-Gangetic plain. However, the melting glaciers, combined with rapid decline in precipitation (both snowfall and rainfall) and increasing natural disasters, threatens the water supplies in these areas. Drinking water scarcity is also becoming a growing concern for Himalayan communities, particularly in Kinnaur—a region that remained largely untouched by large-scale groundwater extraction. Kinnauri households and farms are beginning to face year-round water shortages. To conserve and sustainably manage these water sources, we must first understand the science behind them—starting with the aquifers. Aquifers are underground lakes or water storage systems that feed the freshwater springs. These are typically categorized as confined (restricted) and unconfined (unrestricted) aquifers. Confined aquifers have a fixed storage capacity, while unconfined aquifers can recharge and expand under favorable conditions (e.g., higher rainfall, improved land cover, or reduced extraction rates). Without knowing about the size and type of these aquifers, interventions like concreting spring sources or building canals may fail. In the state of Himachal Pradesh, despite significant government investments in conserving these water sources, public knowledge about local aquifers and their functioning remains limited. This lack of awareness further hinders local communities from effectively contributing to groundwater conservation and participating in efforts to protect local biodiversity. The freshwater spring project aims to address these gaps by combining scientific research on local aquifers with community engagement to effectively conserve these critical resources effectively.
Project Goals and Approach
Mapping Springs and Groundwater Systems: Using GPS technology, we are systematically tagging springs across Kinnaur to create a comprehensive map of local groundwater systems. This includes characterizing the aquifers associated with these springs, assessing their capacity, and determining their type.
Studying the Role of Plants in Groundwater Dynamics: We are documenting plant species that rely on freshwater springs or contribute to recharging their aquifers, aiming to better understand the role of these plant species in maintaining the region’s groundwater systems.
Why it Matters
IPCC’s 2019 and 2022 reports highlight the crucial role mountain water sources play in sustaining both highland and lowland communities. However, scientific knowledge about Himalayan aquifers remains largely absent in the public domain, hindering effective conservation efforts. Previous studies were limited by outdated technology and have not been updated since. Conducting this research is therefore critical to address urgent challenges such as the disappearance of springs, reduced river flow, and declining biodiversity.
Our Collaboration
In partnership with Dr. Kumar Gaurav’s Fluvial Geomorphology and Remote Sensing Lab at IISER Bhopal, we are conducting our research to map local aquifers using state-of-the-art equipment and methodology.
Community Impact
We will be publishing our findings and sharing it with local Gram Panchayats to empower local communities with the knowledge about their aquifers. By equipping locals with the knowledge and the science behind their water sources, we aim to encourage a deeper understanding of how citizens can contribute to the conservation of groundwater and freshwater springs. The Himalayas are not just a beautiful landscape—they are a crucial ecosystem that supports life far beyond their mountains. By working together to protect their water sources, we can help preserve this ecosystem and the communities that depend on it for generations to come.