On 29th & 30th April, the team on the ongoing HICAS project field was on the ground in Tili, Paro, working closely with local communities to better understand their spring water sources and the landscapes that support them.
On the first day, the team met with community representatives, including the Tshogpa, Mangmi, and users of the Woolitencha Chu spring, as well as representatives from the Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law led by the Director. As we walked together to the intervention sites, the Tili community showed us dried-up springs that once served as vital water sources. These shared experiences continue to highlight the urgency of springshed management.
The team also measured water quality and observed rock formations along the way because understanding what lies beneath the surface is key to restoring what flows above it. A short awareness session was held to explain why these assessments matter and how they can support long-term water solutions.
On the second day, the team visited multiple spring sources in the Jari area, measuring discharge and documenting physical parameters. At the same time, with the expertise of the Hydrogeologist Mr. Yogesh from ICIMOD, the team carefully studied the surrounding geology to better understand how water moves through the landscape.
This fieldwork is a reminder that protecting springs is not just about water, itโs about people, ecosystems, and the future of our communities.
