Himmotthan Society is working on water security programme at Gangolihaat block of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand. Under this initiative more than 312 springshed has been mapped for its geology and geomorphology, and around 110 spring shed has been treated, as per treatment plan. The overall initiative is linked to augment the water discharge in identified springs during the lean session (April – June). As many reports, included the recent Niti Aayog report indicated that spring water discharges are depleting in central and western Himalayan regions. The more details on the inventory of spring initiative is at: http://www.himmotthan.org/vgis/wmap.aspx
During March 2017, Himmotthan has taken up a Dayarani lake revival work along with forest department and Gram Panchayat. Dayarani Lake situated in Gram Panchayat Uparara, in Gangolihaat. The lake is located at an elevation of 1811meters (Location: 29°40'42.20"N 80° 2'22.40"E). Himmotthan team has worked closely with forest department and identified and implemented the catchment treatment work in around 3 hectares. A yearlong effort has resulted water flowing in the lake during this summer. Now the seasonal lake is converting to perennial lake. December 16, 2018. Dayarani Lake has been inaugurated and open for public by Mrs. Meena Gangola (Members of Legislative Assembly) and BDO Gangolihat Mr. Varun Choudhary (IAS). Along with other dignitaries i.e. Block Pramukh Mrs. Asha Bisht , Nagar Pramukh- Mrs. Jaishree Pathak, Lalit Pathak, NK Kohali (A-BDO) Mr. Manoj Verma ( Gram Pradhan ) Uparara. MLA and BDO has appreciated the efforts made by Himmotthan on lake augmentation. Dayarani Lake will also act as Spring knowledge Center (SKC) which will help develop conservation awareness, participatory approach and training to para geologist. Himmotthan has contributed on Niti Aayog Report on “Inventory and Revival of Springs in the Himalayas for the Water Security”. This is important to note that more than 90% rural water supply of Uttarakhand is spring fed. Therefore, springs plays a vital role on the rural economy and eco-system in Uttarakhand. Himmotthan has taken up the spring management issues with state forest department which is a nodal agency, as mostly springs either emerge or have its catchment area in the reserve forest. Undertaking the importance of spring’s forest department constituted a Spring Management Consortium (SMC) in November 2018, which will spearhead the spring initiative in the State and will be headed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), along with 18 members (which included all water related line department, experts and research institutes). Himmotthan coordinator, WaSH has been given a key role as a Member Secretary to the SMC. This will assist furthering the water security mission in the state along with all key stakeholders.