Natural springs of Simhachalam hill in dire need of preservation

April 18 is observed as World Heritage Day across the globe. The moment we talk of heritage, ancient forts, edifices and monuments come to mind. However, natural formations also come under this category.

April 18 is observed as World Heritage Day across the globe. The moment we talk of heritage, ancient forts, edifices and monuments come to mind. However, natural formations also come under this category.

The natural springs of Simhachalam hill are one such formation which are in danger and in urgent need of preservation, say experts.

Natural springs have been a vital part of the hydrological cycle for millennia. Nearly 90 per cent of the drinking water supply in Uttarakhand is spring-based. A worrying fact is that 30 per cent of the springs in the Himalayan ranges are drying up. Major rivers such as the Godavari still continue to be spring-fed.

The City of Destiny is blessed with a number of natural heritage sites, of which one is the natural spring system on the Simhachalam hills, part of the Eastern Ghats.

According to a survey done by Dhan Foundation, as part of their study on ‘Visakhapatnam Spring Shed ecosystem on Simhachalam hill range’, there were close to 14 springs in Simhachalam hills. But now, locals were able to list only a few springs, such as Gangadhara, Naagadhara, Saagidhara, Aakasadhara, Pichhukadhara, Madhavadhara and Seetammadhara.

A spring is a natural point of exit at which groundwater from an aquifer flows out on top of the earth’s crust and becomes surface water. Springs are driven out onto the surface by various natural forces, such as gravity and hydrostatic pressure. These are formed at the side of a hill or the bottom of a valley, said Mr. Lokesh of Dhan Foundation.

The water needs of the Simhachalam temple are met by these springs and there is no dependency on GVMC or borewells.