Central Himalayan Rural Action Group (CHIRAG), Uttarakhand

The Central Himalayan Rural Action Group (CHIRAG) CHIRAG seeks to improve the quality of life and facilitate the movement towards self-reliance of local communities, particularly women and the poor. To achieve this goal CHIRAG works closely with local communities utilising community based strategies for the sustainable and equitable. CHIRAG, over the past 30 years, has demonstrated and implemented effective strategies to address rural needs in health, natural resource management, education and livelihoods. Since 2008, CHIRAG has built on its experience and knowledge in hydrogeology and has been a pioneering institution in demystifying science and building successful citizen science based, community managed resources for the sustainable recharge and rejuvenation of Himalayan springs. The CHIRAG team’s expertise is reflected in consistent improvement in spring discharge, water quality, sustained local community management and governance level policy sup.