Dehradun: A high-level committee meeting of the Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARA) was held at the Secretariat on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan. The meeting took several important decisions regarding groundwater conservation, rainwater harvesting, and river rejuvenation. The Chief Secretary directed SARA to prepare a comprehensive Groundwater Recharge Policy aimed at improving groundwater levels across the state.
He said the policy should promote rainwater conservation in non-government institutions and residential societies to maximise rainwater utilisation and effectively recharge groundwater resources.
The Chief Secretary also instructed district magistrates to submit proposals at the earliest for the conservation and restoration of traditional springs and water sources (Dhara and Naula) that hold historical and cultural significance. He noted that preserving these traditional water sources would help mitigate water scarcity.
Highlighting river rejuvenation as a priority, he directed officials to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the effective implementation of all river restoration projects. He also instructed authorities to begin work on proposals received under the “One District, One River” initiative and to execute larger projects through inter-departmental coordination.
Officials informed the meeting that 86 projects are currently being implemented by SARA across various districts during the 2026–27 financial year, while 16 projects in Uttarkashi, Nainital, and Tehri have already been completed.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary L. Fanai, Secretaries Dilip Jawalkar, Ranveer Singh Chauhan, C. Ravishankar, Special Secretary Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate, along with senior officials from various departments and representatives of technical institutions.
