Kalimpong: The Kalimpong district administration has launched a new initiative, Pran Dhara, to rejuvenate natural hill springs that are drying up.
This is aimed at ensuring long-term water security in the region. The initiative also focuses on planting trees and will be implemented in collaboration with the NGO Prasari.
The project will be monitored at the district level, in coordination with block administrations and relevant departments like irrigation and agriculture.
Pran Dhara will revive 219 springs across all four blocks of the Kalimpong district. These blocks – Kalimpong I, Gorubathan, Pedong and Lava- encompass over 1500 households.
The project focuses on rejuvenating dying springs with a community-led approach. It also involves active participation of SHGs and convergence of irrigation-related government schemes.
The project will scientifically identify recharge zones of springs and restore landscapes through targeted plantation efforts.
A plantation drive has been initiated at Gorubathan Tar over the last week. Saplings were planted across all major spring catchment zones.
The plan is to plant 52,000 trees to strengthen groundwater recharge capacity and support the local ecosystem.
