By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 21 Nov: A programme organised by Doon Library and Research Centre discussed the canal system of Doon Valley. Vijay Bhatt and Indresh Nautiyal presented a pictorial dialogue with the support of Bhartiya Gyan Vigyan Samiti.
The programme remembered the contribution of old and historic canals of Doon Valley and had a wide discussion on them. People also asked questions on this topic. Vijay Bhatt said that, in the past, Doon Valley had dense forests, perennial water streams, and canals that made the climate pleasant and fertile.
During the British rule, five canals – Bijapur Canal, Katapatthar, Raipur, Wahar, and Jakhan Canal – were constructed. The contribution of Captain Cautley to the construction of canals was also discussed. The canals transformed a large area of Doon Valley into irrigated land.
Indresh Nautiyal expressed concern that, today, in the name of development, these canals are being destroyed and roads are being constructed. He said that saving and preserving this heritage of Doon is a big challenge of the present time.
The programme also discussed the relationship between the disappearance of canals and the rising temperature in Doon Valley. Social thinker Biju Negi delivered the keynote address on Doon’s canals.
The programme was attended by Doon Library and Research Centre’s Programme Associate Chandrashekhar Tiwari, environmentalist Dr Ravi Chopra, Ajay Sharma, Megha Wilson, Ira Chauhan, Trilochan Bhatt, Harshmani Bhatt, Jan Kavi Atul Sharma, Chanda Singh Bist, Sunder Singh Bist, Deepa Kaushalam, Dr Chouniyal, Vivek Tiwari, Sudhir Singh Bist, Jagdish Singh Mahar, Shailendra Nautiyal, Vinod Saklani, Himanshu Ahuja, and many writers, journalists, litterateurs, social workers, and young readers of Doon Library.
