International Delegation Assesses Water Conservation Initiatives in Dehradun
A 17-member international delegation, representing 11 countries, conducted a visit to the Ban Ganga catchment area in Dehradun district on Thursday. The purpose of the visit was to review ongoing water conservation efforts in the Purohitwala region, focusing on local interventions aimed at reviving water sources.
Detailed Briefing on Conservation Measures
Officials from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) led the delegation and received a comprehensive briefing on the various initiatives being implemented. Divisional Forest Officer Neeraj Kumar outlined key measures, including rainwater harvesting, spring-source protection, and groundwater recharge systems. Additional strategies such as contour trenches, check dams, and community-led water management practices in the Banganga springshed zone were also highlighted.
Global Context and Community Role
Dr. Kahkashan Naseem, Additional Chief Executive Officer of the Spring and Rejuvenation Authority (SARRA), emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader global initiative to safeguard water resources. She underscored the critical role of local communities in conserving natural assets, citing the Angelia forest area as a prime example of effective collective stewardship. Dr. Naseem further discussed IUCN's Bridge the Gap Project, which supports river conservation, including work on the Meghna River in Assam.
Delegation Feedback and Knowledge Exchange
Delegates from countries including the United Kingdom, Norway, Germany, the United States, Kenya, and India expressed appreciation for the strong community participation observed during the visit. They described the conservation measures as an effective response to climate change challenges. Officials noted that the visit aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange and share best practices in water conservation, enhancing international collaboration on environmental sustainability.
