Sustainable Water Management and Way Forward to Replenish the Water Resources in Ukhrul Town, Manipur

Abstract

The land of Shirui Lily, scenic hilly town of Ukhrul has been reeling under the massive water shortage for long though geographically monsoon fed region. Now, rainfall fluctuation, long dry spell, negligible spring water sources are the order of the day. The causes of this relentless unprecedented water crisis points to the likely global warming factor attributed by the reckless forest fire around the catchment areas, inconsistent forest cover area. Putting pressure on more water demand by rapid population growth add to the woes, as the town witnesses influx from all four corner villages of the district in the last decades for better livelihood in the headquarter. Moreover, the high elevation landscape means no ground water resources. Time is ripe to think out of the box and devise the roadmap to conserve water resources sustainably with the best eco-friendly manner and locally readily available cost effective material. One such measure will be to incorporate the concept of forestry and reviving spring water sources mainly to keep the flow of water cycle going. More importantly, Rain water Harvesting is considered arguably the most promising alternative form of collecting fresh water in the hill town.