Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to initiate a large-scale campaign for the cleaning and revival of old wells across the state ahead of the monsoon season.
Wells have long been vital sources of clean drinking water in both rural and urban areas, and many also hold deep cultural, religious, and historical significance. However, with the advent of modern water supply systems, their usage has significantly declined, leading to neglect and in some cases, encroachment. The State government now aims to restore these wells to functional use, officials said.
Emphasising their historical and practical value, CM Dhami stated, “Old wells are an important part of our civilization and heritage. Many such wells are scattered across towns and villages, and reviving them will contribute significantly to water conservation and the preservation of natural water sources.”
The revival initiative aligns with ongoing efforts under the Water Conservation Campaign 2024, being implemented by the Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARA). As part of this campaign:
6,350 critical and depleted water sources have been identified
929 of these, considered crucial for drinking water and irrigation, have already been treated
In the plains, 297 recharge shafts have been constructed to facilitate groundwater recharge
In 2023, various water collection and storage systems led to the recharge of 3.21 million cubic meters of rainwater, officials noted.
The initiative also resonates with the message delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Uttarakhand State Foundation Day on November 9. He called upon residents to preserve traditional water sources like naulas and dharas, highlighting Uttarakhand’s age-old tradition of revering these natural springs. Responding to this, the State government is now actively incorporating the revival of wells into broader conservation strategies.
