Environmental Crisis Over the Rivers in Uttarakhand

• 27 Nov 2024

Why in News?

Uttarakhand, known for its pristine rivers and streams, is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis.

• Changing weather patterns, climate change, and increasing human activities are pushing the state’s 206 perennial rivers and streams toward the brink of drying up.

Key Points

• Current Situation:
  • According to a report by the Spring and Rejuvenation Authority (SARA), a staggering 5,428 water sources in Uttarakhand are currently under threat.
  • Climate change experts at SARA, highlighted that human intervention, rather than natural causes, is primarily responsible for the degradation of these water bodies.
• Establishment of SARA:
  • In response to this crisis, the Uttarakhand government established SARA to investigate the state of its perennial rivers and streams.
    • This initiative aims to understand the impacts of climate change on these vital water sources.
  • SARA recommended all relevant state departments to collaborate and provide data on the condition of these water bodies. The findings have raised serious concerns within the government, prompting the need for urgent interventions.
• Pilot Projects for River Rejuvenation:
  • SARA has prepared a pilot project to revive five key rivers:
    • The Song River in Dehradun, the Western Nayar and Eastern Nayar in Pauri, the Shipra River in Nainital, and the Gaudi River in Champawat.
    • The National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) and IIT Roorkee have been assigned to study these rivers, with plans to extend the project to other rivers based on the findings.
• Impact of Climate Change:
  • The rise in temperature due to climate change has been more pronounced in Tibet and the Himalayas than in the rest of the world over the past 150 years.
  • This alarming trend is leading to significant environmental consequences, including the drying up of water sources.
  • Data from the Water Resources Department reveals that 288 water sources in the state have less than 50% of their original water levels remaining, with nearly 50 sources having less than 75% of their water left.
• Related Observations & Impact:
  • Environmentalists and local officials have observed drastic changes in water levels and river courses.
  • In Bhimtal, the lake has started to resemble a plain, and similar crises are emerging across other rivers and water sources.
  • Climate scientists warn that climate change is causing mountains to crumble and rivers to either change their courses or wreak havoc during floods.
  • In Haldwani, the water levels of the Gaula and Kosi rivers have dropped, creating a crisis for drinking water and irrigation.