Historical Initiative of Water Conservation in Uttarakhand
A New Chapter of Groundwater Recharge Begins from Gairsain
A historic step to tackle the growing water crisis in Uttarakhand was launched today at Vidhan Sabha Bhawan, Bhararisain. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan inaugurated the “Direct Injection Water Source Recharge Scheme” in collaboration with Swami Ram Himalayan University, Jolly Grant.
On the occasion, a photo collection titled “Vibrant Birds of Kotdwar” was also released.
Speaking at the launch, CM Dhami said, “The state government is committed to overcoming the water crisis through technological innovations. This is a significant effort in the field of water conservation.”
Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan added, “Water conservation is not just an environmental necessity, but the lifeline of Uttarakhand’s future. Groundwater recharge will be the foundation of future water security. This scheme will prove to be a milestone in sustainable water management.”
For the effective rollout, an MoU was signed on July 8, 2025, between the International Institute of Parliamentary Studies, Research and Training, Bhararisain and Swami Ram Himalayan University.
Under the scheme, treated rainwater will be injected into inactive hand pumps to revive them and recharge groundwater. In the first phase, 20 hand pumps in Gairsain and Chaukhutia blocks will be reactivated. The initiative is being seen as a permanent solution to the state’s water management challenges.
A technical presentation was given by the university team including Prof. H.P. Uniyal, Nitesh Kaushik, Sujit Thapliyal, Rajkumar Verma, Atul Uniyal, Abhishek Uniyal and Shakti Bhatt, explaining the process of filtering rainwater and directing it to groundwater reservoirs. A documentary showcasing successful pilot results from Gairsain villages was also screened.
The event was attended by Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal, Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi, MLAs, senior officials of the Assembly Secretariat, departmental secretaries, and Swami Ram University representatives.
