Doon Valley Faces Curse: New Dam Threatens Homes

A new song, 'Doobi Jando Jaunsar, Doobi Jando Sirmaur,' reflects the fear gripping communities in the Dehradun valley due to the potential reawakening of the Kishau Dam's 'djinn.' This project, planned before India's independence, is poised to inundate numerous villages along the Tons River, threatening the livelihoods of thousands who depend on agriculture and horticulture.

The 236-meter Kishau dam on the Tons River, a tributary of the Yamuna, is intended to store water, irrigate land, and generate hydropower. However, concerns are high regarding its significant ecological impact, displacement of communities, and seismic vulnerability. Critics argue that the project relies on outdated data and neglects comprehensive environmental and seismic impact assessments, particularly alarming given Dehradun's history of floods and waterlogging.

Despite advancements in cleaner energy alternatives like solar and wind power, the project's progression raises suspicions about contractual beneficiaries. Notably, the agreement signed by six states in September 2026 appears to favor Himachal Pradesh, which secured financial relief, while Uttarakhand, facing the primary ecological damage and risks to its capital, seems to have accepted unfavorable terms.