Sustainable water management in Sikkim Himalayan region: innovative solutions for rainwater harvesting reservoirs

This research article focuses on achieving water security in hilly terrains through the identification of suitable sites for rainwater harvesting reservoirs near habitations. The study was conducted in the planned geological park (PGP) location within Sikkim University (SU) campus, utilizing a multi-faceted approach that combined geological, geophysical, and geotechnical methodologies. The analysis of ALOS-P DEM revealed the absence of streamflow within SU campus, ruling out direct water recharge options. However, the planned geological park (PGP) location exhibited a gentle slope and receives an annual average precipitation (ERA) of 1215 mm indicating potential for rainwater harvesting. Geological fieldwork excluded densely fractured areas, involving data collection on soil and rock types, joint analysis, soil sampling, and Schmidt hammer tests. Geophysical fieldwork provided insights into fracture zones, layer depth, and fracture orientation. Incorporating data into a non-linear finite element model allowed to assess shear, deformation, and safety factors, identifying Site A as most suitable due to higher stability compared to Sites B and C. The key innovation lies in the integration of scientific methodologies. The combination of geological, geophysical, and geotechnical data, in the study has presented a holistic approach to site identification, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the terrain’s hydrological characteristics.