Kalimpong Villages Revive Springs to Combat Water Crisis with Govt, SHG Support: Water springs back to hills

Mountain communities in Kalimpong and adjoining region, aided by Govt agencies, have started reviving springs to augment water supply both for drinking and irrigation

YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, JUNE 13, 2025 :  Faced with the growing threat of climate change, ecological degradation, and unplanned development, mountain communities in Kalimpong have launched a grassroots-driven campaign to revive their dying springs — the primary source of drinking and irrigation water in the region.

The initiative, led by local Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and supported by PRASARI — a regional non-profit organization — has emerged as a powerful response to the water crisis, combining scientific techniques, traditional knowledge, and community stewardship.

“We used to suffer from acute water shortage which was adversely affecting our quality of life and livelihood. There was hardly any water for drinking, let alone irrigation,” said Duempandi Lepcha, Supervisor of the Gitdabling Pochok Springshed Committee. “Instead of waiting for external help, our villagers, especially SHG members, mobilized support through regular meetings. With help from PRASARI and the district administration, we began reviving our springs, one by one.”

The initiative kicked off today with a tree plantation drive at Kalimpong Block-1, jointly organized by the Kalimpong collection, trenching, and the plantation of native Himalayan flora such as Chilouni, Lampate, and Panisaans — to help recharge the water table. “We have already begun to see results,” Lepcha reported. “Around 200 households are now benefitting, and 5 to 6 springs are supplying ample water. Once all 20 are rejuvenated, our water woes will be history.”

This initiative recently received state-level recognition, with the Gitdabling Pochok Springshed Committee being honored with the State Biodiversity Award 2025 in Kolkata. Recognizing the success of the programme, the Kalimpong District Administration has committed to scaling up the initiative across the region.

At the heart of the initiative is a strong sense of ownership and empowerment among local women. “This is not just about water,” emphasized Raj Kumar Das, Team Leader at PRASARI. “This is a women- and SHG-led journey from drought to dignity — a journey to a better quality of life through the rejuvenation of our life-sustaining springs.”

Currently, 107 springs across seven Gram Panchayats are undergoing rejuvenation. SHG members are leading the charge, identifying recharge zones using scientific mapping and implementing water conservation methods such as trenching and bund construction.