‘A river is not just a stream of flowing water’
Sunderlal Bahuguna, a leading activist of the Chipko movement, speaks to Reshma Bharti about the ecological threat to the Himalayan ecosystem, especially its rivers:
How do you view the existing state policies towards Himalayan rivers?
They treat rivers as commercial commodities. Development to this consumerist world means converting nature into cash. Dams are obstructing river flows. Rivers survive only if they flow freely. The natural free-flowing water in a river is living water. Reservoirs turn it into dead water. Scientific evidence exists to show that water quality deteriorates when a river is dammed and free flow of water is disrupted. Today, the very existence of several rivers is under threat. I have seen the water in the Ganga reduced by half in my lifetime! Traditional Indian society, however, has a different approach towards rivers. River is treated as mother. A river is not just a stream of flowing water; it has close linkages with culture and civilisation. The threat to our rivers is actually part of a larger crisis of culture.
They treat rivers as commercial commodities. Development to this consumerist world means converting nature into cash. Dams are obstructing river flows. Rivers survive only if they flow freely. The natural free-flowing water in a river is living water. Reservoirs turn it into dead water. Scientific evidence exists to show that water quality deteriorates when a river is dammed and free flow of water is disrupted. Today, the very existence of several rivers is under threat. I have seen the water in the Ganga reduced by half in my lifetime! Traditional Indian society, however, has a different approach towards rivers. River is treated as mother. A river is not just a stream of flowing water; it has close linkages with culture and civilisation. The threat to our rivers is actually part of a larger crisis of culture.
In this era of water crisis, it is important to develop a harmonious approach towards nature. A free-flowing Himalayan river like Ganga, brings along nutrient-rich soil down to the Indo-Gangetic plains, contributing to land-formation and fertility of land. This will cease to happen as dams like in Tehri and others will trap this rich soil. The fields in the plains will be deprived of this rich soil. Farmers will be forced to use chemical fertilisers in excess, which will make agriculture economically unviable and environmentally unsustainable.
What are the changes needed inourapproachtowardsrivers?
First and foremost, the manysided value of natural river flows must be appreciated. From villagers living on riverbanks to pilgrims, people benefit in so many ways from a river. Riverbank communities should be closely consulted and given a role in the protection of rivers. Secondly, it should be kept in mind that a river does not belong only to human beings but also to aquatic life and other life forms. Their needs should also be taken care of. It is important that government policies should not cause displacement or disruption of riverbank communities. Microhydel projects, which do not disrupt river flow, are welcome. These can be used to lift water to upper slopes to help afforestation there.
First and foremost, the manysided value of natural river flows must be appreciated. From villagers living on riverbanks to pilgrims, people benefit in so many ways from a river. Riverbank communities should be closely consulted and given a role in the protection of rivers. Secondly, it should be kept in mind that a river does not belong only to human beings but also to aquatic life and other life forms. Their needs should also be taken care of. It is important that government policies should not cause displacement or disruption of riverbank communities. Microhydel projects, which do not disrupt river flow, are welcome. These can be used to lift water to upper slopes to help afforestation there.
What is your message for Himalayan states about protecting tree cover in the region?
If we want to save India from the water crisis, we have to cover the Himalayas with trees. This should become a people’s movement. Care must be taken to plant mixed species, particularly trees with broad leaves (and not commercial plantations like pines). The roots of trees with broad leaves spread far and wide conserve water and enrich the soil. Trees providing nuts, edible oilseeds, flowering trees for honey, seasonal fruits, fibre, medicines, fuel, timber for local use and green leaf manure should cover the entire Himalayas.