A delegation of mayors from ten municipalities of Nepal visited SRHU (Swami Rama Himalayan University) Jolly Grant to learn about the initiatives being undertaken in India for springshed management. As part of this exchange programme, the mayors also shared the work being carried out in Nepal in this field.

On Tuesday, under the leadership of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the delegation arrived at SRHU. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, President of SRHU, stated that the geographical features of Nepal and Uttarakhand are quite similar. Being part of the Himalayan region, both areas face common challenges such as natural disasters and landslides.

“We have much to learn from each other,” Dr. Dhasmana remarked. “The springshed management work being done in Nepal should be shared with us, and likewise, you may adopt the practices we follow. This mutual exchange will benefit both countries.”

He emphasized that water scarcity is a pressing challenge and that life without water is unimaginable. He shared that the SRHU has been working in the fields of drinking water and sanitation for the past 20 years, reaching over 600 villages with clean drinking water. In addition, from the Himalayas to Ganga Sagar, the university is currently working across 31 states and union territories in the areas of water conservation, enhancement, and skill development.

Dr. Vijendra Chauhan, Director General – Academic Development, highlighted the life and social development initiatives of Swami Rama, the founder of SRHU. Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal expressed his gratitude to the visiting delegation from Nepal.
During the technical session that followed, Mr. H.P. Uniyal, Advisor at SRHU, presented insights into springshed work being done in the Indian Himalayan Region. The delegation was also taken on a field visit to view the rainwater harvesting model established at SRHU, showcasing the technology used for year-round rainwater collection. Information was also shared about the university’s sewage treatment plant.

Also present on the occasion were Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. A.K. Deorari, Principal of Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences Lt. Gen. Daljit Singh, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), Dr. Sanjeev Bucher from ICIMOD Nepal, Dr. Debashish Sen from PSI, Dr. Rajeev Bijlwan, Nitesh Kaushik, and other dignitaries.