Come summers and the row over water distribution deepens amongst the two States- Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Rationing of natural resources like water begins with level of water in Ganga in the uphills going down.
This year even Tehri dam has shown a record low level of water in the reservoir on account of scanty rainfall. The Ganga canal is still looked after by the UP irrigation department as the distribution of assets between the two States remains unresolved even 16 years after the formation of Uttarakhand.
Following demand from the forest department, the UP irrigation department released 300 cusecs of water on Wednesday evening to give some respite to the wildlife in the region.
The water shortage in the Ganga canal is not only taking a toll on the farmers but also on the wildlife in the Shyampur forest range of Rajaji National Park and tiger reserve of Haridwar district. The 75km long east Ganga canal, which normally carries about 1,000 million gallons per day, is the main water source for wildlife, especially elephants and deer for which the park is known across the country. On demand of the forest officials, Uttar Pradesh irrigation department has now released 300 cusecs of water in the canal for four hours.
Speaking to The Pioneer SDO Upper Ganga Canal Sushil Yadav said, “The forest department demanded release of water in the Purvi Ganga Nehar (eastern Ganga canal) because that is the easy source of drinking water for the animals of this region. So we released 300 cusecs of water in the channel of main Ganga to feed the eastern Ganga canal on Wednesday from 2 to 6 pm. This would replenish the canal for roughly 15 kms stretch.”
When asked about further water release options, SDO said that on demand the water may be released further as well. Herds of elephants and deer often go to the east canal to quench their thirst and due to the water scarcity, the wild animals were facing a crisis. The forest department has dug 18 waterholes in the Chillawali forest range, but feeding them with water from tankers is not possible, allege the forest authorities.
Range officer of Shyampur forest range Y S Rathore said, “We had demanded the department of irrigation of UP to resume the water supply in the canal but they are more concerned for the main Ganga canal which goes to Delhi, Noida and some parts of Western Uttar Pradesh. This drastically affected the wildlife in Haridwar, Bijnor and some parts of districts of Uttarakhand.” It is very difficult to feed the permanent water holes constructed for the animals which act as swimming and drinking pools for the animals, added Rathore.