Projects

Technical Support & Guidance in the preparation of District Plan under BRGF - government of Uttarakhand

For the Uttarakhand government, PSI’s team was selected to facilitate a decentralised process of preparing district level development plans for three districts of Uttrakhand, Chamoli, Champawat and Tihri Garhwal. The process of decentralisation required a comprehensive district planning of Tihri Garhwal district, conducting workshops, training BST members and creating Panchayat level resource groups. PSI conducted 253 capacity building programmes including sensitisation of 7132 PLRGs to obtain primary data as well as in person meetings with documentation staff to create the district level development plan.

Water Resources in the Himalayan Region - Planning Commission

The study examined the sustainability of water resources management in the Himalayan regions. The analysis covered the water availability, springs, rivers, traditional harvesting systems for irrigation and domestic water supply. With the assistance of local communities, Panchayats, government departments, NGOs, Technical experts, PSI’s team conducted various data collection methods such as field studies, existing data analysis and thorough studies of ‘Naulas’ (a traditional stone structure built across underground seepage) in Uttarakhand. The research found that the traditional water systems have been drying up due to the watershed destruction and hydropower projects diverting river flows, despite the fact that communities often return to these because far reaching villages face irregular piped supply. It also found that high rainfall does not ensure water security because steep gradients create high surface runoff and sources may dry up. The report recommends protecting traditional water systems by establishing springs sanctuaries to enhance base flows, rivers and streams, community led initiatives and safe hydropower development.

The Irrigation-Hydropower Nexus in the Ganges Headwaters - University of Arizonia

The project was supported by IWMI’s Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE) and CGIAR and led by University of Arizona in collaboration with the University of Delhi, ICIMOD, and People’s Science Institute. The research examined the interconnections between irrigation, potable water supply, hydropower, food production and livelihoods in Uttarakhand, with an emphasis on its women and youth. Using the Bhilangana River Basin and surrounding mountain region as a focus, the study assessed hydropower practices and its direct and indirect effects on local agriculture, livelihood and environment. It used regional and community-level research, including analysis of hydropower and irrigation systems, stakeholder consultations, village-level assessments and review of institutional and environmental conditions as primary data, whereas academic research and literature review was used as secondary research to conclude the findings.

The study found that there is adequate data that is available on these projects which makes it difficult to assess water resource availability and impacts. It also identified the gaps in local grievance mechanisms and hydrological data, along with conflicts between villages and hydropower developers leading to these projects disproportionately affecting the marginalised population. The project recommended stronger stakeholder participation in EIAs, grievance redressal cells, monitoring of river discharge and environmental flows, improved water data systems and negotiations on benefit-sharing.

Ground water sanitation nexus in the Himalayas /GW San Programme

The project examined the groundwater–sanitation nexus in the Himalayan region, particularly focusing on Almora Town, where households depend heavily on traditional water resources involving naulas, dharas, springs and underground seepages. Its main objective was to determine the pathways and extent of bacteriological contamination and understand the geo-hydrology and seasonal groundwater quality. The projects studied an inventory of 52 naulas/Sharas, conducted field surveys and secondary literature reviews. Additionally, it inspects the water quality and discharge monitoring of 17 selected sources and its socio economic impact assessment. The study recommended better sanitation construction, sewerage coverage, and regular maintenance and supervision of the STP.

Benefit sharing in Hydropower projects in Himachal Pradesh

Under this project, PSI’s team with support from ICIMOD (Kathmandu) assessed the benefit-sharing mechanisms for hydropower projects in Himachal Pradesh. It examined hydropower policies and their implementation and assessed whether revenue from hydropower generation accrued to project-affected communities with the perspective of local communities. The state government and its departments along with power developers were also taken into consideration while examining the implementation. The study covered ten hydropower projects across five river basins, varying in capacity, commissioning period, design and ownership. It included literature reviews, expert and activist consultations, field visits to build its findings. Sirmour, Shimla and Kangra districts of Himachal Pradesh were identified for fieldwork. The research found that the 2006 Himachal Hydropower Policy’s provisions for local communities often fell short in practice due to administrative inaction by withholding of mandatory benefits. It also points out the illegal measures that are taken by the developers to quash the opposition and local politics, with small private developers performing worst.

(45,46 and 60)- Hydro geological assessment, soil and nutrient status and management strategies for Renuka Wetland, Himachal Pradesh (44), Renuka Wetland hydrogelogical assessment, Management Strategies and capacity building (45- 2020), Stakeholder consultations for integrated management planning of Renuka and Pong Ramsar sites in Himachal Pradesh (60- 2022)

PSI worked on the conservation and management of Renuka and Pong Ramsar wetlands in Himachal Pradesh with support from GIZ. The work combined water quality assessment with stakeholder consultations to understand the challenges facing these wetlands and identify ways to protect them. For the Renuka study, PSI in collaboration with ACWADAM and IIT Roorkee assessed the physico-chemical and bacteriological properties of water samples collected from 36 locations. The findings revealed the presence of faecal and total coliform bacteria in Renuka Lake and Parashuram Tal, pointing to contamination from domestic sewage and animal waste. Higher nitrate levels at some sites also suggested that nearby agricultural activities could be contributing to the lake’s nutrient enrichment. Alongside this scientific assessment, PSI worked with GIZ and CEDA to develop a consultation process for the Renuka and Pong wetlands, involving stakeholders at the local, district and state levels. The team finalised a plan and methodology for these consultations to understand how different stakeholders use and bring their perspectives into management planning. Together, these two initiatives helped establish a basis for wetland management that draws on scientific evidence and local stakeholders’ knowledge and priorities.

(77. Social survey to assess losses and damages by the North Indian floods in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh- 2023)

. Projects on Water conservation- Hero MotoCorp Ltd.

With support from Hero MotoCorp, the People’s Science Institute (PSI) conducted a comprehensive watershed assessment across six watersheds in Haridwar district to understand local water resources, land-use changes and environmental challenges.

The team used GIS mapping, field surveys, hydrological analysis and tested it on groundwater and surface water sources, agricultural practices, ponds and waste management. The study collected 103 water samples and identified widespread contamination. It found that several groundwater sources are unsuitable for drinking. Furthermore it documented that out of 68 ponds, 39 had the existence of greywater. Based on these findings, PSI proposed interventions such as pond rejuvenation and rooftop rainwater harvesting to address local water challenges and support more sustainable management of water and land resources.

97. Social Survey and Data Collection- IIT Roorkee

The report examines how climate change is affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods across the Song Basin in Dehradun and the Kosi Basin in Almora. It highlights differences between the foothills and higher-altitude villages, where farmers face erratic rainfall, changing temperatures, crop losses, water scarcity and increasing human-wildlife conflict. The assessment also explores how households are adapting through crop diversification, bunding, fencing, irrigation practices and women-led self-help groups. Its findings point to unequal adaptive capacity: farmers with better access to irrigation, resources and community networks are better placed to respond, while rain-fed and marginal farmers face greater constraints. The report identifies gaps in departmental coordination and local support, recommending climate-specific agricultural advice, improved water infrastructure, stronger self-help groups and effective wildlife protection.

1- Water Quality Status of River Ganga and Ramganga during Ardh Kumbh Mela 2019

The study examined Ganga river water quality during the 2019 Ardh Kumbh which took place from January 15 to March 4, 2019. The study was supported by WWF- India. The team examined the water samples from 10 sites on specific bathing dates. The findings of the study revealed that water quality did not meet CPCB bathing-water standards at most sites. The study showed high levels of organic waste and faecal bacteria present in the water, while the low BMWP scores indicated fewer pollution-sensitive aquatic species and more pollution-tolerant species.

2. Co-creating Sustainable Agri-Water Use in the Hindon sub-basin –A Multi Scale Participatory Approach- supported by Department of Science and Technology (DST)- 2022- 27

Under this study, PSI’s team examined how agricultural practices contribute to water depletion and pollution in the Hindon sub basin. The study used spatial maps, agricultural and demographic data, and water samples to assess pollution in the Hindon sub-basin. Alongside, participatory rural appraisal was conducted in 12 villages to examine the contemporary cropping practices, chemical use and their effects on water quality. Additionally the community based water quality monitoring was initiated in three villages to raise awareness and encourage sustainable practices. The study is still in progress and estimated to be completed in 2027.

An early warning system to improve adaptive capabilities and resilience of vulnerable Himalayan communities to extreme rainfall and flooding - (2021-2022)

The Project aimed to strengthen flood resilience among vulnerable communities living on the banks of Bindal Rao river. It was supported by the University of Birmingham, UK. The study assessed historical flood impacts, existing risk management practices and information needs through record reviews and interviews. Through semi structured interviews with the community and civil society members, the research draws on the community perception and priorities. The findings led the team to identify three vulnerable habitations along the riverbank. The three water- level sensors and rain gauges were installed at these sites. In addition to this, a colour coded dashboard was co created to communicate flood risks and knowledge sharing. The District Disaster Management Authority volunteered to monitor the dashboard and share alerts with communities to help them to prepare for timely flood response.

(Location of sensors installed) (Focus Group Discussions with affected communities)

Shallow Aquifer Management for Gwalior City under AMRUT 2.0

Addressing the challenges of declining ground water in Gwalior city, PSI prepared a shallow aquifer management for the city, under AMRUT 2.0. The team prepared a groundwater- level- map by studying the 3,000 water bodies, data from governments and non government entities working on water resources. The project engaged over 100 government and NGO professionals through capacity- building activities and stakeholder consultation. The study, through hydrogeological and engineering surveys identified 17 potential recharge sites. Of these, 3 were selected for implementation. Recharge measures were planned at the three selected sites. These include trenches, check dams, filtration chambers and injection wells. Implementation work has begun at two sites. Additionally, the groundwater map was also published in the Gwalior Groundwater Booklet.

(Hydrogeological and engineering survey (Groundwater level map of Gwalior city) at Lakmiganj)