Addressing human and environmental impact of large hydel power projects in sensitive mountainous landscape

Devprayag: confluence of multiple rivers

Dumping of garbage and construction muck in Alakananda river at Srinagar dam

Critical Action Center in Movement (CACIM), Uttarakhand

Strategy:

• Monitor impacts of dam construction on local communities in Uttarakhand
• Empower communities to fight for ownership of their natural resources
• Campaign, lobby and advocate for the rights of communities displaced and/or otherwise affected by large dams in Uttarakhand
• Protect the land, water and air in the ecologically fragile and mountainous region of Uttarakhand.

Impact:

• Highlighted the environmental violations of Tehri Dam to a World Bank inspection panel and mobilized affected communities to fight for relief and rehabilitation
• Successfully fought  a landmark case at the National Green Tribunal against GVK which was ordered to pay a fine of Rs. 9 Crores ( ~$1.5 Million) to the communities affected by the destruction and damage caused by the Srinagar dam
• Based on our partner’s continuing work, future dam clearances in Uttarakhand have been temporarily stayed until proper environmental clearances are obtained