As India records intense heat in the lower Himalayas, the Uttarakhand government's plan to cut as many as 2,000 sal trees has drawn the ire of locals and climate activists. In Dehradun, forest fires have ravaged flora and fauna in many areas, and flash floods have devastated numerous lives and livelihoods.
In the midst of the current crisis, the state government has designated around 2000 trees in the Khalanga reserved forest for cutting to construct a reservoir to address the city's water requirements. The reserved forest, recognised as a protected wilderness area, is subjected to governmental restrictions and preservation efforts.
The proposed reservoir aims to distribute water to regions facing water scarcity, and its water source is projected to be the Song dam located in the Dehradun district. The Song Dam drinking water project tender is anticipated to be opened soon, with citizens voicing their objections via email.
Local activists have mobilised, staging protests in the reserved forest, to urge the government to reconsider its plans. They advocate alternative solutions, such as building a water reservoir in Dwara village, which possesses ample barren land suitable for this purpose. Dwara village itself grapples with severe water shortages, and the proposed reservoir offers a potential remedy.
The projected construction cost is Rs 1,306 crore. It involves the erection of a 130.6-meter-high concrete gravity dam, which is scheduled for completion within 60 months.
Locals have been protesting for weeks and expressing concerns over the government's move.
In recent days, there have been reports that the project has been moved to an alternate site, but there is no official confirmation of this.
The local community has expressed concerns about the massive infrastructure projects, fearing that they have begun to impact the natural balance of the area. It is reported that the previous 5°C temperature difference between the area and the city has now lessened to just 2°C. Additionally, the sprawling forest houses a vital water source which sustains hundreds of residents as well as local plant and animal species.
Although the tender for the Song Dam project has been released, the water treatment plant's tender is still pending. Furthermore, approval from the forest department is awaited, and efforts are underway to locate an alternative site.
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