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Hydel
projects in Himachal Pradesh
endanger aquatic life
Kullu
(Himachal Pradesh): Environmentalists in Himachal Pradesh fear that
hydel projects coming up in the hilly state are posing a threat to aquatic
life. At least 18 hydel projects are coming up in Kullu alone. "The feeding
and breeding grounds in the water bodies are at the verge of being exterminated.
So we have reserved two-three water bodies in the district solely for
fish production. We want that government should not start any project
on these bodies so that we are able to stock and breed fish," said R K
Kurla, a senior fisheries officer. The huge inflow of sediments and muck
from these projects into streams and canals has led to severe depletion
of the breeding grounds of fish. The high density of sedimentary particles
also affects the inflow and level of water in rivers and lakes. Experts
say the construction of too many mega hydel projects is disturbing the
ecology causing flash floods and landslides in the Himalayan state. Environmentalists
say the damage will continue unless the state government formulates a
more comprehensive policy to develop the region without harming the environment.
Himachal Pradesh produces 500 tonnes of trout a year apart from other
varieties.
-June 17, 2006
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