Development and Ecology-Case Study of Gumti River in Tripura

Projects for economic development and ecological protection in the upper catchment of rivers are generally distinct and insulated exercises. Being mutually exclusive they inevitably fail to achieve their respective goals. This article argues with specific reference to the Gumti River Project that the material well-being of humans and the preservation of ecological balance are inter-dependent phenomena and the two goals should be integrated into a single project.