Inter-departmental Roundtable on Springshed Management for the State of Manipur

Springs play a vital role in sustaining ecosystems, providing drinking water, supporting agriculture, and maintaining biodiversity. Springshed management involves the sustainable conservation of spring water sources, their recharge zones, and the surrounding ecosystem.

A multi-stakeholder roundtable on Springshed Management has been initiated to foster collaboration, share knowledge, align interests, and develop strategic plans for reviving and safeguarding springs.

Members of the roundtable include representatives from various line Departments, Universities and Research Institutions as well as national and international organisations/projects on springshed management. 

The roundtable on springshed management serves as a platform for collaborative action towards the sustainable management of springs and their ecosystems. By fostering a governance structure that is inclusive, transparent, and action-oriented, the roundtable will contribute significantly to the protection of these critical water sources and the livelihoods of communities dependent on them.

Objectives of the Roundtable

The main objectives of the roundtable is to create a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and coordinated action on springshed management. Specifically, the roundtable aims to:

1. Serve as a science-policy-practitioner interface for entire State of Manipur.
2. Create a framework for sustainable management that integrates environmental, social, and economic factors.
3. Facilitate stakeholder engagement by bringing together government agencies, local communities, conservation organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector.
4. Formulate recommendations and actionable policies for springshed protection and sustainable water resource management.
5. Facilitate inter-state communication and cooperation for the Northeastern States and the wider Himalayan region.
6. Promote synergies and increase efficiency of fund usage and act as a contact point for Externally Aided Projects