Gaula River (India)

This article is about a river in India. For Carnatic music raga, see Gaula (raga).
Gaula River (India)
River
Country India
State Uttarakhand
City Haldwani
Source Sattal
Length 500 km (311 mi)

The Gaula River is a river in India. It is approximately 500 km (310 mi) long. It originates in the Sattal lakes of Uttarakhand state, and flows south past Kathgodam, Haldwani, and Shahi, finally joining the Ramganga River about 15 km (9.3 mi) northwest of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, Ramganga in turn is a tributary of the river Ganges.

Over the years, due erosion and deforestation the Gaula catchment has become prone to landslides and the springs in it and overall rainfall have declined leading to reduction in its flow.[1][2] The Gaula riverbed after it hits the plain near Haldwani has also been facing erosion to excessive quarrying. When despite Supreme Court's directive which effectively banned quarrying while only allowing silt deposit removal,[3] has led to public protests in the regions and a bandh (mass strike) in Haldwani in December 2009 by activists, alleging nexus between stone crushing and mining industry and the administration.[4]

Gaula Dam

A barrage on this river, known as the Gaula Barrage, is located at Kathgodam. The barrage is a landmark for the local residents. It provides irrigation water for the bhabar fields.

References

  1. ↑ Singh, R. B.; Martin J. Haigh (1995). Sustainable reconstruction of highland and headwater regions. Taylor & Francis. p. 291. ISBN 90-5410-719-7.
  2. ↑ Valdiya, KS (1991). "Hydrogeological Studies of Springs in the Catchment of the Gaula River". Mountain Research and Development. 11: 239–258. doi:10.2307/3673618. JSTOR 3673618.
  3. ↑ Kunwar, DS (Jun 17, 2010). "State govt-run agencies defy SC ban to quarry in Himalayan riversides". The Times of India.
  4. ↑ "Bandh in Haldwani, Ramnagar today". The Tribune. December 5, 2009.

Coordinates: 28°25′03″N 79°15′28″E / 28.4175°N 79.2579°E / 28.4175; 79.2579

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