The Pinder river is said to be the only northward bound Himalayan river in India which also happens to be the last remaining tributary of the Alaknanda river not yet dammed by the Government. Considering the rich cultural, environmental, historical and religious significance of the Pinder river and valley, the majority of the locals and activists remain strongly opposed to construction of dams on this river.
A report to this effect citing aspects including traditional knowledge, research and findings has been sent to all the MlAs and MPs of Uttarakhand by the affected villagers under the banner of Bhuswami Sangharsh Samiti and the Matu Jansangathan.
Vimal Bhai of Matu Jansangathan states that dams have been constructed, are planned or are under construction on nearly all the rivers in Uttarakhand barring the Pinder.
“The Pinder is also under threat from hydro power projects including the proposed Devsari HEP. The Pinder valley has undergone devastation due to landslides on a con sistent basis with the 2010 monsoon being the worst in recent memory with the valley, especially the four blocks – Deval, Tharali, Narayanbagad and Karnprayag—were blocked by landslides. The situation will be exacerbated if the three proposed dams are built on the river. The locals clearly understand how the dam company operates and are also familiar with the consequences of such projects having witnessed ecological and socio-cultural devastation caused by construction of the Tehri dam and other dams in both the head-water streams of the Ganga and their tributaries. Even before 2009 when the Devsari project was being planned, the local communities have strongly opposed it. Considering the priceless religious, environmental and socio-cultural value of the Pinder river and valley, we have urged all the State’s elected MlAs and MPs to rise above party lines to keep the Pinder free flowing,” he said.