GSDA identifies 12 living springs in district; Efforts underway to boost tourism

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

For the first time in the country, a survey of springs conducted by the Central Government has identified 12 live natural springs in the district. The highest number, five new springs, were found in the Sillod tehsil. Sources from the Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA) Department said efforts will be made to develop these springs into tourist attractions.

For water security, the NITI Aayog working group on Inventory and Revival of Springs in the Himalayas for Water Security emphasised mapping springs. Based on this, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation undertook a nationwide survey of springs, highlighting their importance in maintaining water security in hilly and rugged areas. In Maharashtra, the GSDA carried out the counting of springs, identifying 12 new living springs across four tehsils in the district.

According to the NITI Aayog report, over 15 per cent of India’s population meets their water needs directly from springs. In hilly regions, for villages and settlements located along local ridges, springs are often the only source for drinking and domestic water for rural communities.

Locations of the live springs in the district

New springs were found in Kannad, Khuldabad, Phulambri, and Sillod tehsils. In Kannad tehsil, two springs were found in Bhildari village. In Khuldabad tehsil, one each was found at Mamnapur and Kanakshil, and two at Ellora. Phulambri tehsil has one spring at Marsawal, while Sillod tehsil has two at Vadali and one each at Balapur, Palod, and Pimpaldari.