The Garhwal Himalaya in India is home to fragile ecosystems, with its rugged terrain prone to natural disasters such as landslides, earthquakes, and flash floods. Dehradun, located in the Doon Valley and surrounded by these mountains, has been grappling with severe water scarcity due to population growth and urban expansion. To address these challenges, the Song Dam Drinking Water Project (SDDWP) has been proposed. This paper by Vishwambhar Prasad Sati delves into the project's economic significance, environmental impacts, and the associated rehabilitation issues for the affected local communities.
Background and purpose of the SDDWP
Dehradun’s population has surged, increasing from 427,000 in 2001 to over 700,000 by 2021, placing a significant strain on water resources. With groundwater levels depleting and arable land being converted into urban areas, the need for a sustainable water solution became imperative.
The SDDWP aims to provide ample drinking water to Dehradun and its surrounding areas, ensuring a stable supply until 2072. It also intends to generate electricity, contribute to groundwater recharge, and foster the development of tourism and fisheries, benefiting both urban and rural populations in the Doon Valley.
Economic significance
The SDDWP is designed to address a variety of needs, providing water for both drinking and irrigation, contributing to groundwater recharge, and creating job opportunities. The project is projected to supply approximately 150.21 million liters of water per day (MLD) to Dehradun, fulfilling a critical requirement for its growing population.
The remaining 86.32 MLD will be sourced from groundwater, with a projected shortfall of 21.68 MLD, which will be covered by other water sources. This water will not only meet the daily needs of the city but will also help sustain the irrigation needs of nearby agricultural areas.
Additionally, the project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy by generating employment opportunities, especially during the construction and operational phases. Job creation, particularly for young people, is vital for the economic upliftment of the region, which remains underdeveloped despite its proximity to urban centers. Furthermore, the dam will promote tourism and fishery development, contributing to the livelihoods of local residents and fostering economic growth.
Environmental impacts
Despite its significant economic benefits, the construction of the SDDWP poses a series of environmental challenges. The dam is expected to degrade arable land, forests, and local biodiversity. The area around the dam is marked by fragile landscapes, where landslides and soil erosion are common. The construction will lead to the submergence of 128 hectares of forest, predominantly covered by sparse subtropical deciduous and pine trees. This forest loss will contribute to a decrease in local flora and fauna populations, further destabilising the already fragile ecosystems.
The impact on local wildlife is also concerning, with the potential loss of various species that depend on the forested areas around the Song River. While the project does not directly affect protected areas such as the nearby Rajaji National Park, the degradation of surrounding forests will have indirect effects on biodiversity. Additionally, the dam’s construction will lead to the submergence of grazing land, which many local farmers depend on for their livestock, further impacting livelihoods.
The fragile nature of the region’s ecosystem, combined with the large-scale engineering required for the dam, increases the risk of landslides and soil siltation. This can negatively affect downstream areas, leading to ecological imbalances. Soil erosion and forest degradation will increase the sediment load in the Song River, further affecting water quality and agricultural productivity in the region.
Rehabilitation and social impact
One of the most significant challenges posed by the SDDWP is the displacement of local communities. A total of 50 households, comprising 486 individuals from three villages (Sondhana, Rangargaon, and Ghurshalgaon), will be fully submerged because of the project. These households rely heavily on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods, with limited alternative economic opportunities. The rugged and precipitous terrain in the affected areas exacerbates the challenge, as most of the agricultural land is already insufficient to sustain their needs.
The affected individuals have expressed a willingness to relocate to more suitable areas within the Doon Valley, provided they receive adequate compensation. The compensation packages must include arable land, housing, and cash, as well as provisions for common property resources, cultural adaptation, and institutional support. Without proper compensation, the displacement could lead to severe economic and social hardship for the affected families.
Previous dam projects in the Garhwal Himalaya, such as the Tehri High Dam and Vishnuprayag Dam, have faced significant rehabilitation challenges. These projects, while generating electricity and providing water, resulted in the displacement of thousands of people.
Mismanagement of compensation packages often led to prolonged rehabilitation issues, including multiple relocations and the loss of cultural belongingness. To avoid similar issues with the SDDWP, the rehabilitation process must be carefully managed, ensuring that the affected people receive sufficient support to rebuild their lives.
A balanced approach
To mitigate the environmental impacts of the SDDWP, a comprehensive approach to conservation must be adopted. Afforestation programs can be implemented in degraded areas to compensate for the loss of forests. Efforts must also be made to relocate flora and fauna from the submerged areas to safer zones, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity. In addition, measures must be taken to prevent soil erosion and landslides, protecting both upstream and downstream areas from further degradation.
A proper environmental impact assessment (EIA) and social impact analysis (SIA) have been conducted for the SDDWP, which indicate that the overall impact of the project is expected to be minimal compared to other large-scale dam projects in the region. However, the success of the project depends on the implementation of these assessments, as well as the proactive involvement of the local community in the decision-making process.
Conclusion
The Song Dam Drinking Water Project is a critical initiative aimed at addressing the growing water scarcity in Dehradun and its surrounding areas. Its economic significance, particularly in terms of water provision, employment generation, and tourism development, cannot be overstated. However, the environmental impacts, including forest degradation, loss of biodiversity, and the risk of soil erosion, must be carefully managed to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability.
The rehabilitation of affected communities is a key concern, and it is imperative that compensation packages are fair and sufficient to allow displaced individuals to rebuild their lives. With proper planning, management, and community involvement, the SDDWP has the potential to be a model of sustainable development in the Garhwal Himalaya, balancing the region’s economic needs with environmental conservation and social justice.