Revitalization of Rivers in India Draft Policy - Isha Guru Jaggi Vasudev

Revitalization of Rivers In India
Draft Policy Recommendation
ANNEXURE 4
CASE OF REVIVAL OF SPRINGS IN THE
WATERSHED OF GAGAS RIVER IN
UTTARAKHAND
Ajay Rastogi 1
The Gagas river
originates in the sacred
forests of Pandukholi
in Almora district, of
Kumaon Himalayas in
the state of Uttarakhand.
The river is largely
defined through the flow
of over fourteen major
streams or gadheras on
both banks, and flows
for about 50 km prior to
merging with Ramganga
(West) river. The river basin is spread over 500 square km with a population of
over 120,000 in 370 villages.
Springs, or naulas as they are traditionally called, are the main source of water
in the hills for the people. Overflow from these springs also contributes to small
streams which in turn join to form rivulets and rivers. About 15 years ago, the
ecological situation had worsened in many parts of the catchment of Gagas river to
the extent that the majority of springs had either dried up completely or their flow
was restricted to only certain months of the year. It was then that the Ranikhet
based Pan Himalaya Grassroots Development Foundation forged a coalition of
interest between communities of 70 villages to form a “Gadhera Bachao Samiti”.
This body decided to plant native trees in their catchment of approximately 1000
1
Founder Director, Foundation for Contemplation of Nature, Ranikhet, Uttarakhand Himalaya
Indian Rivers
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