"Springs are critical for the people here. Life is possible only if there are springs", says 21-year-old Heera from Suda village in Uttarakhand.

A spring is formed when water stored underground in rocks and soil finds a way to the surface. They are crucial for the Himalayan ecosystem. 

“When I was a child, the rainfall was lighter and spanned several days. There was enough time for water to infiltrate the soil and recharge springs,’’ says Heera.

“Now, there’s heavy rainfall over a short span. The rainwater rushes downstream and doesn’t infiltrate the soil,” Heera informs.

According to CEEW analysis, Uttarakhand has recorded a 50% increase in days with extremely heavy rainfall since the 1970s.

Now, Water User Committees in all villages undertake various spring restoration activities such as digging percolation and deep recharge pits.

They also conduct geological surveys to understand the measures needed in the catchment areas to recharge springs.

Heera also engages with schools to raise awareness about springs and the need to conserve them.

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Faces of Climate Resilience is a documentary series in partnership with India Climate Collaborative, Edelgive Foundation and Drokpa Films. It captures 16 diverse stories of how India’s climate vulnerable communities are building resilience.