Gandaki, Nov 22: Environmentalists and conservationists alike have expressed their concern over the existential threat and ecological imbalance posed by the proposed development projects based on the Kali Gandaki River. The Gandaki river system that lies in the central part of the country originates in the Tibetan plateau and traverses through districts like Mustang, Myagdi, Baglung, Parbat, Syangja and Gulmi and so on to eventually merge into the Ganges in India. The campaigners involved in the 'Kali Gandaki Conservation Campaign' have been pressing for a holistic approach to developmental efforts in and around the River which is one of the vital river systems in the country.
Untoward and excessive extraction of soil, stones and other aggregates have threatened the ecological aspect of the river besides risking the lives and livelihood of those depended on the river, the campaigners voiced. The campaigners have called for taking into account sustainable infrastructure development and environmental conservation while advancing proposed mega projects such as Kali Gandaki-Tinau Diversion Multipurpose Project and Kali Gandaki reservoir-based hydro power project among others. At present, environment impact assessment is underway for the 640-mega watt reservoir-based Kali Gandaki hydro power project.
The project lies in Baglung and Parbat districts. The Campaign, issuing a press statement, has claimed that both of these projects were not viable projects from river and ecological c.
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