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Kali Bachao Andolan

Background

The Kali River

The Kali river is one of many rivers that flows in the richly forested area of the Western Ghats. The river is 184 kms. long and flows into the Arabian Sea. Like many rivers in India, the Kali River is no exception -- it has been abused on the path of "development". There are 6 major hydroelectric dams that have submerged over 32,000 acres of the rich forests of Uttara Kannada. A 7th dam has been proposed now -- it will submerge another 210 hectares of forest area and generate just 18 MW of power. In addition, there is the Dandeli Paper Mills that pollutes the river by releasing its untreated effluents directly into the river. Besides damming and pollution, there is also illegal sand mining on the banks of the river which disturbs the ecology of the river.

A number of people of Uttara Kannada want to put an end to this and want to protect the river for posterity. As a result, the Kali Bachao Andolan (Movement to Save the Kali) has been formed by Parisara Samrakshana Kendra of Uttara Kannada and the Environment Support Group along with several local community organizations and tribal villages of Uttara Kannada. This group has been formed to highlight the threats of damming, pollution, and illegal sand mining to the Kali River and to protect it from these threats.

On this site, we will provide information about the issue (documents, images, press clippings), and document the efforts of Kali Bachao Andolan to protect the Kali River. Your support in the campaign will be invaluable.

The story of the Kali river is now available as a film. To order a copy of this film or to request a a screening, please contact ESG. The film is available in VHS and CD format in Kannada or dubbed in English and costs INR 750/-. Cost for overseas requests is USD 20 (+ USD 5 for postage). You can send a cheque or wire the money directly into ESG account. Please enquire first for wiring details.