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

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Devprayag: confluence of multiple rivers
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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