Science in spring restoration: Building climate resilience and water security in the Indian Himalaya

Springs are the primary source of water for nearly 50 million people in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), which spans across all or parts of thirteen Indian states and union territories, including Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh. These springs support domestic, agricultural, and livelihood needs in mountain communities. However, widespread spring degradation due to climate change, land-use changes, and unsustainable development has threatened water security in the region. In response, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), launched the action research initiative ‘Development and implementation of science-based springshed management in the IHR’ under the Strengthening Climate Change Adaptation in the Himalayas (SCA-Himalayas) project.

The action research initiative adopted a six-step, science-based protocol integrating hydrogeology with socio-economic and governance dimensions to restore springs through a holistic, field-tested approach. Using a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) lens and a participatory research model, the initiative worked directly with local communities, governments, and institutions across seven pilot sites.

The initiative has successfully strengthened institutional capacities, implemented evidence-based spring revival interventions, and generated actionable insights. Achievements were structured around four key pillars: evidence-based knowledge and information, improved knowledge and skills, strategic communication of findings, and GESI integration—leading to enhanced water security, empowered local actors, and scalable models for sustainable springshed management across the IHR.