Sustainability Challenges to Springshed Water Management in India and Bangladesh: A Bird’s Eye View

Abstract

Springshed management across mountainous states, such as India and Nepal, has paved the way for the groundwater recharge process. In contrast, despite introducing several interventions, the Bangladeshi government has never been officially exposed to such sustainable ideas for a spring revival. Therefore, this study aims to diagnose water security for the Himalayan region by applying an environmental security framework. Community perceptions documented through focus group discussions and key informant interviews, as well as water sample testing, helped highlight the existing issues of water scarcity, accessibility, quality, and governance structure. Exemplifying the condition of Bandarban in Bangladesh, notable gaps were found in spring-related scientific understanding. Specifically, the lack of adequate reservoirs, institutional coordination, water supply, utility maintenance, and accessibility hurdles were identified as areas requiring immediate attention. As a recovery route, a six-step protocol of springshed management shows more promising outcomes. However, Sikkim communities in India raised questions over its efficacy due to the improper execution of said protocols. A limited understanding of hill science, including inventory and inadequate inspections before implementation, were found to result in only partial success. Upgrading remains a challenge as maladaptation might increase landslides. Therefore, development plans demand rigorous science-based investigation, consideration of local community knowledge, and (pilot) monitoring before the upscaling of springshed projects can be successfully conducted.

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“…The use of gravity-flow system (GFS) tanks to store spring water from remote springs represents an important strategy in Bangladesh's water resource management. This approach underscores the importance of harnessing spring water efficiently to address water scarcity challenges [167].…”

“…The Kashmir Himalaya is known for its abundance of freshwater springs and approximately 51% of Jammu and Kashmir villages are situated near springs [162]. Traditional knowledge and cultural practices can help contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of springsheds [162][163][164][166][167][168][169][170]. Local communities have implemented protective measures such as fencing and concrete structures to protect the springs from contamination with organic matter and allow water accumulation in pools for washing and irrigation.…”