Report by the District Magistrate, Nainital regarding dredging of Nandhaur river in the eco-sensitive zone of Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary, 29/03/2023
Report by way of affidavit on behalf of district magistrate, Nainital, Uttarakhand in compliance of directions passed by the National Green Tribunal vide its order dated February 24, 2023. In compliance with the directions passed by the NGT, February 24, 2023 the District Magistrate, Nainital issued directions to the concerned officials to channelize the river in upside of Nandhaur to avoid the flood situation in Chorgalia region of district Nainital.
In view of the directions issued by the District Magistrate, Nainital a joint committee of the officials from the Forest Department, Revenue Department and Irrigation Department was constituted. The joint inspection was conducted June 9, 2021 to avoid the flood situation.
The team found that from the outfall of river Devhathe boulder, road base materials (RBM) and mud in huge quantities (about 1.40 kilometer of length) has been stored at the outfall of river Kailash at Dubailbheeda Dhoka forest region. Because of that the river stream is diverted to the populated area and in that situation the work of river channelization is urgently required. It was also necessary to protect the right side of Nandhaur river from flood. This will help in avoiding the flood situation and the population of villages Chorgalia, Nanakmatta and Sitarganj area may be secured.
For channelization of river and for clearing and removing of RBM permission was granted on January 1, 2022 for a period of six months for removal of RBM and it was also directed by the state government that the removed RBM material will be used by the project proponent in the construction of National Highway 87 only.
The NGT was informed that the government of Uttarakhand through letter dated January 7, 2022 granted permission under the Uttarakhand River Dredging Policy, 2021 for the work of river channelization and to avoid flood situation, for saving the people of villages Chorgalia, Nanakmatta and Sitarganj.
The matter related to dredging of Nandhaur river in the eco-sensitive zone of Nandhaur wildlife sanctuary.
Note: The report of March 29, 2023 was uploaded to the NGT site on April 25, 2023