In a landmark step toward addressing Uttarakhand’s growing water scarcity, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan on Tuesday jointly launched the “Direct Injection Groundwater Recharge Project” at a special programme held at the state Assembly complex in Bhararisain, Gairsain. The initiative, developed in collaboration with Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, marks the beginning of a new chapter in water conservation for the Himalayan state.
A Scientific Approach to Recharge
Under this project, treated rainwater will be injected into dormant handpumps, replenishing underground aquifers and reviving long-dry water sources. Experts from Swami Rama Himalayan University, including Professor H.P. Uniyal and his technical team, explained that the system filters and treats rainwater before channeling it directly into groundwater reserves. This, they said, will help restore functionality to abandoned pumps and provide sustainable water solutions for communities.
In its first phase, the scheme will be implemented in 20 selected handpumps across Gairsain and Chaukhutia blocks, turning them back into viable drinking water sources. Officials stressed that the project could serve as a replicable model across Uttarakhand, where erratic rainfall and over-extraction have steadily depleted groundwater.
Leadership Voices
Speaking at the launch, CM Dhami reaffirmed the government’s commitment to adopt technological innovations for solving the state’s water challenges.
“Water conservation is not just an environmental need, it is the lifeline for Uttarakhand’s future. With this project, we are demonstrating how science and innovation can be harnessed to meet pressing ecological challenges,” he said.
Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan called the initiative a “milestone for sustainable water management”, stressing that groundwater recharge would be the foundation for long-term water security.
A Broader Vision for Water Security
The project stems from a MoU signed on July 8th, 2025 between the International Parliamentary Studies, Research and Training Institute (Bhararisain) and Swami Rama Himalayan University. Officials said it reflects a broader strategy to build climate resilience and integrate rainwater harvesting, recharge, and conservation practices into Uttarakhand’s governance framework.
Alongside the launch, a photo collection titled Vibrant Bird of Kotdwar was released, while a university-produced documentary film showcased how the technology had already been piloted successfully in villages around Gairsain.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal, Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi, several MLAs, senior secretariat officials, and university representatives. The Chief Minister praised their collective efforts and urged for continuous scaling up of such innovations across districts.
With its unique model of injecting treated rainwater into aquifers, the Gairsain project is being hailed as a pathbreaking experiment that combines traditional needs with modern solutions. If successful, it could become a template for water management across the Himalayan belt, ensuring that Uttarakhand’s rivers and groundwater remain sustainable for future generations.
