In a first, Uttarakhand to link glacier-fed rivers with rain-fed ones

In a first of its kind project in the country, Uttarakhand has begun an ambitious river-linking project under which it plans to connect glacier-fed rivers of Pindari glacier in the Kumaon region with rain-fed ones in Bageshwar and Almora districts, reported Times of India (ToI) today.

"Under the project, Sunderdunga and Shambhu, major tributaries of the 105-km long Pindar river that originates from the Pindari glacier, will be linked with Gomti river in Baijnath valley of Bageshwar district and the upper catchment area of Kosi, Lodh and Gagas rivers in Almora district," the report claimed.

A team of experts started the survey work for the project on June 8 to identify the points from where water can be extracted, Nitish Jha, secretary, department of drinking water, told TOI. "The initial ground and analysis work is likely to be completed within a year after which we will send a detailed project report to the Centre to seek required clearances. After two years, we are hopeful of implementing it.”


Citing the reason behind the project, Jha said, “Among the rivers mentioned, Kosi is the lifeline of Almora and Nainital districts. We have at least 10-12 water pumping stations on for supply to households as well as agricultural fields. But due to decreased water level, those stations are at risk,”