River Kali/ Sharda in Uttarakhand

 

Kali River, also known as the Sharda River, is a significant river in India with immense potential for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. Despite the challenges it faces, efforts have been made to address the issues and promote responsible behavior towards the river. With continued efforts, the Kali River can continue to support the livelihoods of people in the region and contribute to the development of the country. It flows from the Greater Himalayas near Kalapaani in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district. The river is approximately 400 kilometres long and has a basin size of 14,871 kilometres square. It is named after Goddess Kali, and her temple is located near the Lipu Lekh pass, which marks the border between India and Tibet.

 The Kali River enters the Terai plains after Brahmadev Mandi near Tanakpur, where it is called Sharda River. The river merges with the Gori Ganga at Jauljibi where a fair is held every year. The River then joins the Saryu River at Pancheshwar, and therefore the area around Pancheshwar is called 'Kali Kumaon. Belonging to the Ganges river system, the Kali River finally merges with the Ganga.

On its upper course from Kalapani to Tanakpur, the Kali River forms a continuous eastern boundary with Nepal. The river is called Sharda in the plains and flows along Nepal's western border with India. The river finally joins the Ghaghra River, a tributary of the Ganges. The river offers immense potential for irrigation and generation of hydroelectricity. It serves as the boundary between Uttarakhand's Kumaon Division and Nepal from a little below the Kalapani encamping ground. The Lipulekh pass, as well as the Limpayadhura pass or Limpiya pass, are on Uttarakhand's border with Tibet.

The Kali River offers potential for hydroelectric power generation, and the river is proposed as a source for one of the many projects in the Himalayan component of the Indian Rivers Inter-link project. The Pancheshwar Dam, a joint venture of India and Nepal for irrigation and hydro-electric power generation, was proposed on this river in 1995. However, Nepal and India have been unable to reach a decision on the 5,600-MW Pancheshwar multipurpose dam project because of political changes in two countries.

Efforts have been made to address these challenges. The Indian government has implemented several measures to reduce pollution in the river. Sewage treatment plants have been set up, and regulations have been put in place to control industrial pollution. Community participation and awareness campaigns have also been initiated to encourage responsible behavior towards the river.

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