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@article{183186,
        author = {Er. Balwinder Bhardwaj},
        title = {"Reviving Diminishing Small Streams: A Multimodal Approach to Surface and Subsurface Water Augmentation"},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {3},
        pages = {733-741},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=183186},
        abstract = {--Small streams are critical ecological corridors that support hydrological connectivity, biodiversity, and local livelihoods i.e. Water supply schemes, irrigation schemes. However, these systems are increasingly under threat from urban expansion, deforestation, groundwater over-extraction, and climate variability, resulting in diminished flow, degraded habitats, and disrupted surface–subsurface interactions. This paper proposes a comprehensive, multimodal approach to revive diminishing small streams by integrating technical interventions with ecological restoration strategies.
The study investigates both structural and non-structural methods for augmenting surface and subsurface water availability. These include watershed-scale recharge structures (e.g., check dams, infiltration trenches), bioengineering solutions for streambank stabilization, and the reestablishment of natural flow regimes. Additionally, ecological interventions such as riparian vegetation restoration, in-stream habitat reconstruction, and biodiversity enhancement are employed to improve ecosystem resilience.
Using a combination of field-based hydrological measurements, GIS-based spatial analysis, and numerical groundwater modelling (e.g., MODFLOW), the paper evaluates the impact of these integrated strategies on streamflow permanence, aquifer recharge rates, and ecological indicators. Findings suggest that targeted interventions, especially when co-designed with local communities, can significantly enhance stream-aquifer connectivity, improve baseflow conditions, and support habitat diversity.
The research underscores the necessity of treating small streams not just as water channels but as complex socio-ecological systems. A transdisciplinary framework—combining hydrology, ecology, engineering, and participatory governance—is vital for long-term success. This work contributes practical insights and policy-relevant recommendations for scaling up stream restoration in semi-arid and sub-humid landscapes facing hydrological stress.},
        keywords = {Small Streams, Water Augmentation, Ecological Restoration, Surface–Subsurface Interaction.},
        month = {August},
        }