Uttarakhand Government has setup Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARRA) in Nov. 2023 anchored in Watershed Department Govt. of Uttarakhand. In the light of the conditions becoming increasingly difficult day by day for local life due to global climate change and man-made factors and continuously drying up water sources in the state of Uttarakhand in the last few decades, there is a need to identify the natural water sources and rain-fed rivers of the state using scientific methods and achieve the goal of revitalization of rivers and continuous flow in water sources by treating them in a phased manner through various soil and moisture conservation interventions like-check dams, contour trenches, recharge pits etc.

The purpose of establishment of Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARRA) at State level is to identify all the water sources of the state which need to be rejuvenated on priority to ensure increase in water discharge and perennially of the spring and rain-fed rivers measurement and monitoring by ensuring community participation of local people for sustainable flow of rain-fed rivers etc.

To ensure continuous discharge, perennial flow and sustainability of Springs and Rain-fed Rivers in the State of Uttarakhand.

To conserve and harvest maximum rain water, for increasing the discharge and flow in springs and rain-fed rivers through various soil and water conservation interventions and also ensuring community participation for its monitoring and sustenance.

The springs and water sources nestled in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand play a vital role in sustaining the perennial flow of rivers and maintaining ecological balance. However, the availability of water in these sources directly influences river discharge. Over the years, both human activities and natural processes have significantly reduced the mountain’s ability to retain water, highlighting the urgent need for rejuvenation and conservation efforts.

To achieve this, the interventions of various line departments needs to be integrated. In view of the, after due consideration, the government has decided to establish Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARRA) under the Watershed Management Directorate. SARRA address these challenges through scientific planning, community participation and nature-based solutions. SARRA aims to revive critical springs, enhance ground water recharge and long-term sustainability of state’s river systems.