GANGTOK,: Rural Development deputy
director Dr. Subash Dhakal has been conferred with the prestigious Jal Prahari
Samman Award 2024 during a special ceremony held at New Maharashtra Sadan, New
Delhi, recently.
Dr.
Dhakal was one of the 37 distinguished water conservationists from across the
country to be honoured with the award for his exceptional contributions to
water conservation and management, informs a press release.
The
award was presented by Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patel in recognition of
pioneering work in Springshed Management in the State of Sikkim.
The
Springshed initiative, which focuses on reviving drying springs in the
Himalayan region, has gained national and international recognition as a model
for water conservation in mountainous areas.
Dr.
Dhakal has been instrumental in implementing the Springshed Management
programme as an adaptation strategy to combat the drying of springs, a critical
source of water for rural communities in the Himalayas.
The
initiative, which started in the villages of Sikkim, has evolved into a
nationally recognized programme under the Department of Land Resources,
Government of India, with the potential to become a major national initiative
in the near future.
The
Springshed Initiative has not only contributed significantly to water security
in Sikkim but has also set an example for other mountainous regions across the
world facing similar challenges due to climate change and ecological
degradation.
Sikkim's
success in Springshed Management has positioned the State as a resource hub in
the country for innovative water conservation practices, the release mentions.
The
recognition of Dr. Dhakal’s work is a proud moment for the State of Sikkim and
underscores the importance of community-driven solutions to address the
pressing water challenges faced by mountainous and rural regions, the release
adds.
It
also highlights the critical role of effective water management strategies in
adapting to climate change and ensuring sustainable water resources for future
generations.
The
Rural Development department, Sikkim government, has become a key player in the
national effort to conserve and manage water resources.
The
Springshed Management programme’s success is a testament to the commitment,
innovation, and hard work of Dr. Dhakal and his team in addressing the
challenges of water scarcity in the Himalayas, the release mentions.
