Environmental Approval for Five Years Mining Work in Four Rivers of Uttarakhand

• 24 Feb 2023

Why In News?

According to information received from media sources on February 23, 2023, on the request of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has approved renovation of four major rivers of Uttarakhand for the next five years.

Key points

• In Uttarakhand, environmental approval has been received for mining work for the next five years in the four major rivers of Kumaon division, Gaula, Sharda, Dabka and Kosi. This will not only provide mining material from the rivers, but also provide employment to 50,000 local people and laborers associated with this business.
• Significantly, when Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was in Delhi recently, he had raised this issue with the Union Minister. According to the Chief Minister, it is very important for the development of very important infrastructure like civil construction works, expansion of road and rail network, which is necessary religiously and strategically. Availability of RBM will be ensured from these rivers.
• Gaula River
  • The Gaula River, known as the Gold Mine in Kumaon, is a Himalayan River that flows through India. The source of this river is Paharpani and the end point is Kichha. The length of this river is about 103 km.
  • The Gaula River originates from the Sattal Lake in Uttarakhand. It flows through Kathgodam, Haldwani and Shahi. It then merges with the Ramganga River, a tributary of the Ganga.
  • The Gaula catchment has been affected by several landslides as a result of soil erosion and deforestation. Also, there has been a decrease in the water of the springs and overall rainfall over the years, which has reduced its flow. After hitting the ground near Haldwani, the Gaula riverbed is facing soil erosion due to excessive excavation.
• Sharda River
  • Sharda River is a Himalayan River also known as 'Kali River', ‘Kutiyangdi’ or 'Mahakali River'. It flows through Uttarakhand.
  • The traditional source of the Sharda River is Limpiyadhura in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,600 m (about 11,800 ft) above sea level.
  • The length of this river is 252 km, and the basin area is 18,140 so km. Kali River is the mainstream of Mahakali River.
• Koshi River
  • Koshi River, also known as Kosi or Kaushiki, is one of the major and holy rivers of North India. This river is mentioned by the name of Kaushiki in the Manaskhand of Skandpuran.
  • It is an important river of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is a tributary of Ramganga. Kair and Sheesham forests are found on the banks of the river.
  • The length of Koshi river is 168 km and its drainage area is spread over an area of about 346 sq km.
• Dabka River
  • Dabka River is a stream in Uttarakhand and its height is 1,100 meters.
  • Flowing east of the Kosi River, this river emerges from the west of a place called Garampani in Nainital and flows out of the state near Bajpur, flowing through Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar.