In response to strong opposition from environmental advocates, the decision to cut down trees in the Khalanga Reserve Forest for a drinking water project has been overturned. The Uttarakhand Peyjal Nigam has abandoned plans to utilize this forest area and has instead marked new land in Kanar Katan village near Dwara, close to Maldevta, for the project.
The initial plan involved felling approximately 2,000 trees in the Khalanga Reserve Forest to facilitate the Song Dam drinking water project. However, vigorous protests led to a change of heart. Following directives from Arvind Singh Hyanki, Secretary, Drinking Water & Sanitation, the corporation has now identified an alternative location above Kanar Katan village in Dehradun.
Executive Engineer Deepak Nautiyal stated that a collaborative survey with the Forest Department will be conducted shortly, and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared for the new site.
The drinking water project, valued at Rs. 524 crore, is a segment of the larger Rs. 3,000 crore Song Dam Drinking Water Project. It includes the construction of a reservoir and a 150 MLD (million liters per day) water treatment plant on 4.2 hectares of land within the seven hectares required. This project aims to supply drinking water to 60 wards in the capital city of Doon.
The relocation of the project ensures the preservation of Khalanga Reserve Forest, addressing environmental concerns while still aiming to meet the water needs of the community.
