Stabilized landslide zones in the Himalayas act as natural water reservoirs by trapping moisture in porous debris above impervious layers, forming reliable “perched aquifers.” Unlike the surrounding hard rock, these geological features sustain perennial springs, making their protection essential for sustainable mountain water management.
perched water
Santa’s “Scar of the Mountain” vs. Banta’s “Hidden Womb of Water”
Internal erosion or piping of fines from the landslide debris often results in the formation of perched aquifers and therefore most water sources in the Himalayan region are in close proximity of old landslide debris.
Tradition of groundwater prospecting in Himalayas
Survival in the mountainous terrain, with scarce water availability despite ample rains, would not have been possible without mastering the art of water harvesting. The people of the region therefore observed natural processes related to water, ensured this knowledge being transferred from one generation to other, and experiemented to maximise water availability. Seeking answers to […]