Residents of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand are facing an escalating environmental crisis as a 100-kilometer stretch of the Bhagirathi River between Uttarkashi and Gangotri has accumulated dangerous levels of silt, raising serious concerns about potential flooding and erosion along the riverbanks.
The Eco-Sensitive Zone Dilemma
The Bhagirathi River has not been dredged since 2013 when it was officially notified as an eco-sensitive zone, creating a complex environmental and safety challenge for local communities. The prohibition on dredging activities within this protected stretch has led to significant accumulation of sand, gravel, and boulders along the riverbed.
Local residents and public representatives have repeatedly voiced their concerns about the growing threat. They emphasize that rising silt levels are steadily pushing up the waterline, directly endangering riverside villages, agricultural land, and the crucial Gangotri National Highway that connects the region.
Political Voices Raise Alarm
During the recent assembly session, Gangotri MLA Suresh Chauhan brought attention to the critical situation. "Debris has piled up from Dharali to Devidhar, endangering settlements and key road links," Chauhan stated. He highlighted that repeated requests for clearance have been stalled because dredging remains prohibited in the eco-sensitive zone.
The legislator pointed to specific incidents that exacerbated the problem: "After the August 5 flood in Dharali and the cloudburst in Harshil, massive quantities of debris accumulated in the Bhagirathi, raising the river level in Dharali, Harshil, Jhala, Bhatwadi, Chadethi, Maneri, Gangori, Tiloth, Uttarkashi and nearby areas."
Chauhan issued a stark warning that the rising waterline now poses a serious threat to riverside habitations, farmland, school buildings, and major motor routes throughout the region.
Expert Opinions Divided
Senior geologist MPS Bisht of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that rivers naturally change course and silt should not be viewed as the sole hazard. "Rivers form and destroy their own paths. The real problem is that we settle too close to them," Bisht argued, emphasizing the dynamic nature of river systems.
However, environmental activist Dwarika Semwal maintained that scientific silt removal is essential to protect both habitations and the highway. He proposed alternative solutions: "Protective walls should be built instead of cutting mountains for road construction," while warning that failure to clear deposits in Dharali could endanger Harshil and other upstream towns.
Administrative Challenges and Economic Opportunities
Assistant geologist and in-charge district mining officer Pradeep Kumar clarified the procedural hurdles. "The department has received a letter regarding the issue raised in the assembly, seeking permission to lift disaster-driven deposits from Gangotri to Devidhar," Kumar stated. However, he emphasized that dredging in the Bhagirathi's 100-km eco-sensitive stretch is impossible without approval from the state-level committee.
Kumar revealed significant economic data that highlights the potential benefits of regulated dredging. In the 2024-25 period, the department allocated 18 dredging lots across the Bhagirathi, Yamuna, and Pabar rivers, helping Uttarkashi district earn Rs 24.41 crore in mining revenue – the highest in 25 years.
The current financial year shows even more promise, with the district already collecting Rs 11.50 crore by October, and tenders issued for 27 additional dredging sites. Kumar noted that permitting dredging in the Bhagirathi eco-zone would both generate substantial revenue and help protect riverside settlements from further erosion.
Growing Frequency of Natural Disasters
Congress district chief Pradeep Rawat highlighted the increasing frequency of landslides and road collapses along the Gangotri Highway, particularly during monsoon seasons. "With Uttarkashi, Gangori, Netala and Bhatwadi located close to the river, the rising water level is eroding slopes and triggering slides every year," he explained, warning of potential large-scale incidents in coming seasons if the situation remains unaddressed.
The ongoing dilemma presents a classic conflict between environmental conservation and human safety, with local communities caught in the middle. As silt continues to accumulate and water levels rise, the urgency for a balanced solution that respects both ecological concerns and community safety becomes increasingly critical for the future of Uttarkashi's riverside settlements.
