Drying 'Chhatris' that Once Quenched the Thirst of the Hills: A Call to Save Non-Glacial Rivers

 

Once a lifeline for the people of Uttarakhand’s hills, small rivers known locally as ‘Chhatris’ are now drying up rapidly. These non-glacial rivers—unlike the snow-fed Ganga or Yamuna—are entirely dependent on rainwater, springs, and groundwater recharge. Climate change, deforestation, and rapid urban development have severely disrupted their flow, putting both the local ecosystem and village life at risk.

Today, more than 70% of rivers in Uttarakhand face seasonal drying, with some disappearing entirely during summer months. Rivers like Rispana, Bindal, and Suswa in Dehradun or Kosi in Almora are either drying out or reduced to mere trickles.

 

Key Concerns:

• Water Crisis: The disappearance of small rivers is worsening water scarcity in the hills. Women often walk several kilometers to fetch water.
• Agricultural Impact: Irrigation is severely affected, jeopardizing local farming and livelihoods.
• Loss of Heritage: These rivers were once central to village identity and culture, now reduced to fading memories.
• Neglect in Policy: Most environmental focus remains on glacial rivers like Ganga and Yamuna, while these equally vital streams are overlooked.

 

Expert Voice:

Dr. Gyanendra Singh, Environmental Policy Expert

“Our current river conservation efforts are incomplete without focusing on the non-glacial rivers. These rivers do not originate from snowmelt but depend entirely on forest catchment areas and rain-fed recharge systems. If we ignore them, we risk losing a vast network of freshwater resources that are critical for Himalayan ecology.”

 

Hope through Revival Efforts:

• Catchment Area Treatment: Community-led efforts in districts like Tehri and Almora are working to revive natural springs and recharge water tables.
• Pond Renovation & Plantation Drives: Building small water ponds and increasing tree cover around riverbanks have shown measurable improvement in seasonal flows.
• Government Campaigns: The "Save the Streams" initiative is slowly gaining momentum in Uttarakhand, reviving over 5,400 local water bodies through public participation.