Rivers in the ecologically fragile Kumaon region of Uttarakhand are facing a severe threat, transforming into unofficial dumping sites for construction and mining waste. This unchecked practice is obstructing natural water flows, damaging agriculture, and raising alarms about increased flood risks for hill communities.
Monsoon Fury Exposes Decades of Neglect
This year's monsoon rains laid bare a problem festering for decades. Large quantities of debris from abandoned soapstone mining zones, left unattended for years, were swept into river systems. The sudden flow of silt and boulders altered river paths, triggering floods that washed away precious agricultural land.
In Bageshwar district, rivers including the Pungar, Kaushalya, Bhadravati, Gomti, and Saryu were badly affected. Farmers along the banks reported heavy crop losses. Residents also noted a sharp decline in fish populations, blaming frequent disturbance of riverbeds and increased water turbidity.
Voices from the Ground: Fields Washed Away, Complaints Ignored
Ganesh Singh, a local resident, described how the Kaushalya River turned destructive. Debris from old mines collected in the river, forming a temporary dam. "When heavy rain broke it, my fields and MGNREGA pits were completely destroyed. The river shifted by nearly 20 meters," he said. Despite repeated complaints, no action was taken.
The issue extends beyond old mining waste. In the Nadi Gaon area, concerns are high over ongoing road construction. Villager Govind Mehta alleged that nearly 500 meters of road was being built over the river. "Heavy machines are being driven into the river and large stones are being crushed there. Fish that were once common are now rarely seen," he stated, warning of long-lasting damage.
For farmers like Ramesh, the impact is existential. "The river is not just water for us. It supports our farming and our survival," he explained. "When debris from roads and mining is dumped into it, our future becomes unsafe. During the rains, the same muck turns into floods."
Administrative Response and Widespread Problem
The district administration claims to have taken note. Bageshwar District Magistrate Akanksha Konde said immediate cognisance was taken wherever debris dumping was reported and necessary steps were initiated.
However, the problem is mirrored in neighbouring Almora district. During the construction of the Kwarab bypass, debris was allegedly dumped directly into the Kosi River, bypassing rules for designated dumping sites and budgets for safe disposal.
Responding to these allegations, Harshit Gupta, Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department in Almora, acknowledged the challenge of the steep terrain. "Due to steep terrain, immediate disposal is sometimes not feasible. Once the temporary road and Bailey bridge are completed, debris that has spread towards the river will be removed," he assured.
Experts Warn of Escalating Himalayan Disaster Risk
Environmental experts have issued stern warnings. They emphasize that Himalayan rivers are highly sensitive systems. Dumping debris reduces their carrying capacity, significantly increases flood risk, alters courses, and can even trigger landslides. They caution that unless development activities strictly follow ecological safeguards, such damaging impacts will become more frequent across the entire region, putting more communities and ecosystems in peril.
