Prof. (Dr) Ashaq Hussain
Keeping in mind the widespread accumulation of water, there is going sustained campaign all around against the construction of dams in the Chenab region after witnessing frequent landslides in the area. No doubt, efficient use and conservation of Natural resources have always been critical for long-term sustainable economic development of any region and for the survival of mankind. However, in twin districts of Chenab Region i.e. Doda-Kishtwar the situation is entirely reverse as rapid degradation of the region due to the use of these resources has emerged as a major concern for the stakeholders. This is due to the fact that it not only affected the environment and climate but has become a threat for the survival in the region.
The rampant damming in the region, encouraged by lack of relevant laws, has not only gobbled up the forest cover or other natural vegetation but has also submerged most part of the region under water which has become the cause of soil erosion, in the area. The worst culprit for water scarcity, water pollution, air pollution, waste management, loss of biodiversity and climate change in the region is none other than these hydroelectric dams.
These hydroelectric projects have come up as a result of drilling huge tunnels in the hills by blasting rocks, placing enormous turbines in the tunnels, cutting down forests to build water channels, roads, townships and other infrastructure, and laying transmission lines by other destructive methods. Not only this, the dams have been built and still are being built on the same river so close to one another that they leave no scope for the river’s regeneration.
These Hydroelectric dams have snatched water resources from people. They have caused enormous destruction throughout their lifecycle, from intrusive construction, mining of building materials from riverbeds, muck disposal, debris dumping, and altering the hydrological cycle and changing the natural course of rivers. The Bhagliar dam have led to interference with 120 kilometres of Batote -Kishtwar road stretch, most part of which is submerged and the rest is almost ready to meet with the same destiny and the consequences of Dool Dam too are not different. To add the already dejected situation, few more Hydroelectric projects and dams are ready to tug their horrendous start in near future.
It is a worldwide accepted fact that, hydroelectric dams have a profoundly negative impact on geology. To appreciate this, it’s important to note that geologically, Chenab region is extremely fragile. The area is covered in the seismically “most active” Zones IV and V, with high tectonic activity that can suddenly alter the contours of land and the course of rivers, which can greatly increases disaster potential.
The prevailing abnormal and high-intensity rainfall events, including cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides coupled with the abnormal snow spell are the results of the excessive evaporation of the water due to increased water surface area in these dams. In addition, these dams are joined with very large number of rapidly flowing silt-laden rivers and streams like Kalgoni Nalah at Thathri, Neru Nallah at Doda etc that can turn into a ravaging, eroding, force of destruction if not handled carefully. To add more to this quandary, no specific measures had been planned/designed to cope with the risk of flash floods. Although, the adverse consequences of such floods are acute as they cannot only damage the project structures but can also cause loss of lives in low-lying downstream areas.
To conclude, the Hydroelectric Projects coupled with the tunneling and damming of water in Chenab belt has caused several problems and can lead to much more in future. No doubt hydro-power projects have made important contributions but such developments had significant adverse impacts on local livelihood and the environment. It is essential that local issues along with the four recommended values i.e equity, efficiency, participatory decision-making, sustainability and accountability should be taken into consideration before building a dam. Thus the need of the hour is that the non- Governmental organizations in general and the public of the region in particular should come forward to protect the area and environment from the cruel clutches of these dams and make the local people aware about their rights and the environment.
To avert any catastrophe, we should stop pandering to the States elite’s insatiable appetite for electricity, which is driving reckless dam construction. All dams and hydroelectric projects should be stringently reviewed for environmental health. Until then, there must be put a halt on further construction.
(The author teachers at Govt Degree College Kishtwar)
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