Which was the most controversial project during dam construction in 1978?

Which was the most controversial project during dam construction in 1978?

After the announcement of imminent dam construction the valley became the focal point of Save Silent Valley Movement, India’s fiercest environmental debate of the decade. Because of concern about the endangered lion-tailed macaque, the issue was brought to public attention.

Why is it called Silent Valley?

It was the British who coined the name ‘Silent Valley’ in 1847 because of a perceived absence of noisy Cicadas. Another story attributes the name to the Anglicization of Sairandhri and a third story, refers to the presence of many Lion-Tailed Macaques, Macaca silenus.

Why did environmentalists fight against the government to save the Silent Valley?

The aim of the movement was to save the place from being flooded due to Hydroelectric project. The issue further caught attention due to the endangered lion- tailed macaque and other rare wildlife that was present in that area.

Who led the Silent Valley movement in Kerala?

An NGO led by teachers and the Kerala Sastra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP) began in 1973 to spare the Silent Valley from being overflowed by a hydroelectric plant. The valley was designated in 1985 as the Silent Valley National Park. Kuntipuzha is a major waterway 15 km southwest of the Silent Valley.

Why are there no cicadas in Silent Valley?

Cicadas do not thrive well in wet climate. Since Silent Valley does not receive nine months of rain anymore, the cicadas too were back… According to legend, the Pandavas stayed incognito during their agyata vasa (secret exile) in this dense jungle.

Why construction of hydroelectric plant stopped in Silent Valley Kerala?

As the Silent Valley is rich in natural habitat, people from different corner of the society put immense pressure to the concerned official to stop the project.

Why Is Silent Valley famous?

Home to animals as rare as the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion Tailed Macaques as well as the greenest of evergreen forests ever, the Silent Valley National Park in Kerala is among the most favourite biodiversity hubs for nature lovers and wildlife fanatics.

Who inaugurated Silent Valley?

Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi
Silent Valley was declared as a national park in 1984 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and inaugurated in 1985 by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Who is the leader of Silent Valley?

Silent Valley was declared as a national park in 1984 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and inaugurated in 1985 by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

In which state of India is silent valley located?

KeralaSilent Valley National Park / State
Home to rare species of flora and fauna, some endemic to the Western ghats, the Silent Valley national park spread over 238 square kilometres in Palakkad district of Kerala, will be celebrating its ‘silver jubilee’ this month.

What is the old name of Silent Valley?

Sairandhri
In a booklet titled “Storm Over Silent Valley”, senior environmental journalist Darryl D’monte notes its widely accepted etymology. The valley was originally known as Sairandhri, another name for Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas. And the river flowing through it is called Kunthipuzha, after their mother.

Which river originates in Silent Valley?

Kunthi river
The Silent Valley and its location within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Credit: Google Maps. The Kunthi river, which originates from the south-western edge of the Nilgiri massif cuts a deep valley that starts from the northeast and flows towards southwest.

How much did it cost to build Silent Valley Reservoir?

As one of the greatest civil engineering achievements ever, the Silent Valley Reservoir was opened on 24th May 1933 by the Duke of Abercorn. The final cost of the scheme was £1.35 million.

What happened to the Silent Valley hydroelectric project?

Undeterred, the state government plunges ahead with the project. The result is that the outcry against the Silent Valley Hydroelectric Project – which started as a localized movement through individual and small group protests – goes national and international.

How big is the Silent Valley?

In terms of scale the Silent Valley is small. The area that was originally declared as a national park, and continues to be the core zone of the present demarcation, is 89.52 sq.km. The hydroelectric project that was envisaged in the valley was to have had an installed capacity of 120 megawatts.

What was the Silent Valley contract?

For the men from Mourne, the Silent Valley contract was a godsend, for the only available work at that time was in the stone quarries or the fishing boats. The job-hungry men of Mourne walked incredible distances to get to work in Watertown, with many crossing the mountains twice a day.

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