Write a short note on tehri dam movement?

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The Tehri Dam has been the object of protests by environmental organizations and local people of the region. ... Environmental activist Sunderlal Bahuguna led the Anti-Tehri Dam movement from 1980s till 2004. The protest was against the displacement of town inhabitants and environmental consequence of the weak ecosystem.

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The Tehri Dam Movement was a significant environmental and social movement that took place in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India, during the 1990s. It was a protest against the construction of the Tehri Dam, which aimed to harness the waters of the Bhagirathi River for hydroelectric power generation and irrigation purposes. The movement was primarily led by local communities, environmental activists, and social activists, who opposed the dam's construction due to its potential adverse impacts on the environment and people's lives.

The Impacts of the Tehri Dam:
The Tehri Dam was expected to have several negative impacts on the region and its inhabitants, including:

1. Displacement of people: The construction of the dam would have resulted in the displacement of thousands of people from their ancestral lands and homes. This would have disrupted their livelihoods and traditional way of life.

2. Environmental degradation: The dam would have submerged a large area of fertile land and forests, leading to the loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitats. It would also have caused soil erosion and water pollution.

3. Earthquake vulnerability: The Tehri region is prone to seismic activity, and the construction of a massive dam in an earthquake-prone area raised concerns about the safety of the dam and its potential impact on downstream communities.

4. Cultural heritage loss: The Tehri region has a rich cultural heritage, with several ancient temples, historical sites, and traditional communities. The dam's construction would have resulted in the loss of these cultural assets.

The Movement and its Objectives:
The Tehri Dam Movement aimed to raise awareness about the potential impacts of the dam and mobilize public support against its construction. The movement had several objectives, including:

1. Halt the dam construction: The primary objective of the movement was to stop the construction of the Tehri Dam and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

2. Seek alternative solutions: The movement advocated for alternative methods of power generation and water management that would be more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and socially just.

3. Protect the rights of local communities: The movement sought to protect the rights of the local communities affected by the dam's construction, including their right to land, livelihood, and participation in decision-making processes.

Outcomes and Legacy:
The Tehri Dam Movement had a significant impact on public opinion and the government's approach to large-scale infrastructure projects. Although the dam construction was not completely halted, the movement succeeded in raising awareness about the potential impacts and demanding greater transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.

The movement also led to the formation of various organizations and networks dedicated to environmental conservation and social justice in the region. It highlighted the importance of community participation, sustainable development, and the need to consider the social and environmental impacts of development projects.

Overall, the Tehri Dam Movement played a crucial role in shaping the discourse around development and conservation in India, and its legacy continues to inspire similar movements across the country.

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