Spring Census Manipur: Unveiling Hidden Waters

Manipur’s First Spring Census and Feasibility Study for Sustainable Springshed Management

Manipur is endowed with abundant natural springs that play a critical role in sustaining both human communities and ecological systems. Located at the confluence of the Indo-Burma and Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspots, the state’s topography—characterized by north-south aligned ridges and tropical rainforests—creates ideal conditions for numerous springs, streams, and waterfalls. These water sources are indispensable for domestic supply, irrigation, and traditional cultural practices, while also maintaining river base flows and supporting diverse habitats.

Project Scope and Objectives

TERI is conducting the First Spring Census of Manipur to establish a baseline inventory and assess the feasibility of future spring-based projects. Aligned with national guidelines, the study identifies climate risks associated with these water sources and proposes targeted mitigation strategies to ensure long-term water security. Key objectives include:

• Systematic Documentation: Geo-tagging and documenting springs to capture spatial distribution, typology, discharge characteristics, and seasonal variability.
• Water Quality and Usage: Analyzing water quality alongside quantity and current usage patterns to understand the dependency of local populations.
• Climate Resilience: Identifying hydrogeological and climatic factors that influence spring sustainability and examining preliminary measures for at-risk springs.

Methodology and Community Engagement The census covers all 16 districts of Manipur, reaching more than 1,000 villages and mapping over 3,000 springs. To ensure accuracy and consistency, primary data is collected through field surveys using standardized formats and mobile-based applications.

A vital component of this study is community interaction. TERI is engaging with village authorities and local residents to document traditional governance practices and observed historical changes in spring conditions. This participatory approach ensures that local knowledge is integrated with scientific data.

Future Impact

The study further assesses selected springs for their potential to support developmental projects, including drinking water supply and livelihood enhancement. By considering technical, environmental, and institutional feasibility, this work supports the development of a comprehensive state-level database. Ultimately, this initiative provides the foundation for robust springshed management and evidence-based planning for the Government of Manipur.