Karbi Anglong launches Spring Shed Management Programme to revive water sources

DIPHU — Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang, on Wednesday launched the Spring Shed Management Programme at Manai Terang village under Singhason MAC constituency.

For the first time, the Assam government has initiated this programme aimed at reviving springs by digging pits—discharge points—in recharge areas on hill slopes to allow water to percolate into the subsurface.

The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and the Panchayat and Rural Development Department (P&RD), through MGNREGA, are the implementing agencies. In Karbi Anglong, three sites—Lunse Ronghang PWSS, Ramsapathar PWSS, and Thekarajan PWSS under Singhason constituency—have been identified for implementation.

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Launching the initiative, Ronghang highlighted that water sources like springs, ponds, and rivers deplete significantly during the lean season between December and April. “Spring shed management is the best way to revive springs, which are the main source of water,” he said.

The CEM noted that the programme is being introduced on an experimental basis by PHED and P&RD, and, if successful, will be expanded across the 26 MAC constituencies in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong. He further announced that budget allocation would be made from the next financial year to extend the project to other areas.

On the occasion, a booklet on spring shed management was released, and villagers took a pledge for the revival of springs, led by the CEM.