The field of Urban political ecology has often focused on the fragmented waterscapes in cities of the global South, underscoring how unequal water access affects diverse population groups. While previous studies have extensively explored the 'other' urban waters, such as ponds, lakes, and tanker-sourced water, along with their associated power dynamics, this paper introduces urban springs—or baolis—into the discourse. These springs are a vital yet underexplored element of the Himalayan urban waterscape, particularly in mountain cities like Shimla, India, where they provide critical water support during water crises. Despite inadequate maintenance, urban springs remain a primary water source for many residents in the city. This also highlights the resilience of these traditional water systems even as they fall outside the formal governance and infrastructure frameworks.
In this context, this study explores Shimla's springs-scape with an urban political ecology lens to understand how these springs function as both a resource and social space, shaped by complex governance structures and everyday power relations. Focusing on two spring-dependent neighbourhoods, this research employs in-depth interviews, transect walks, oral histories, and spatial mapping to reveal the dynamics surrounding urban springs and the ways in which they contribute to a unique, pluralistic urban political ecology within the context of a mountain city.
Keywords: urban political ecology, mountain springs, governance, power.
