Inventorization of Spring Water Resources in Mid Hills of Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

The study on spring inventory was conducted in the mid hills of Himachal Pradesh, India where 43 springs were inventoried in the Beas catchment area. Hydrogeological characteristics, such as geology, slope, aspect, elevation, rock and soil distribution, landuse, geomorphology, and spring discharge were utilized to access the condition of springs in the study area. The study showed that 40.12% of the springs have seen a drop in water flow and compared to the previous times, the water flow has increased in 4.85% of the springs. A total of 56% of spring is located in the forest, 32% in Agriculture land, 3% in grassland, 6% in Shrubland, 2% in built up area, 1% in barren land. 65% are depression springs, 28% are fracture springs, and 7% are contact springs. 2.32% of the spring sources had discharge rate <0.05 Lmin-1. 79.06% of the springs have average discharge rate of 1-10 Lmin-1. Rest of the 11.60% of the springs have discharge rate ranged from 10-25 Lmin-1. Most of the springs are fed by annual precipitation and those located near the Beas valley are supported by river water course.