PM chairs meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
24-July, 2017 17:31 IST
Closure of Tanneries in Kanpur

400 tanneries units are operating in Kanpur region. Out of these 400 tanneries, 386 were inspected in the Kanpur region during January-May, 2017 and 77 Gross Polluting Industries (GPIs) were issued closure directions under Section 5 of Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 for non-compliance of discharge standards and non-installation of Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring Systems (OCEMS).

During inspections between January-May, 2017, 118 out of 386 tanneries inspected were found complying with the discharge norms as well as OCEMS connectivity.

In addition to regulatory actions, other measures are contemplated to reduce pollution from these tanneries. These measures include in-process improvement, setting up of a Common Effluent Treatment Plant based on Zero Liquid Discharge principle, shifting of tanneries to another suitable location. To study the feasibility of shifting the tanneries at Jajmau, Kanpur to another location, a Task Force has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Vijay Goel in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
24-July, 2017 17:29 IST
Additional STP Projects for Cleaning Ganga





The Government has approved 21 municipal sewage management projects during March to May 2017 at an estimated cost of Rs. 3044.48 crore targeting creation / rehabilitation of sewage treatment capacity of 948.06 million litres per day (mld) as per the following details:

Sl. No.

Project

Project Cost (Rs. In Crs)


NEW STPs


1

Construction of 68 MLD STP for Zone- A, B, C, D & E at Jagjeetpur, Haridwar in Uttarakhand State

230.328

2

Construction of 14 MLD STP for Zone- F at Sarai Haridwar in Uttarakhand State

43.04

3

Construction of new 564 MLD Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) with effluent standards of BOD 10 mg/l, TSS 10 mg/l or better Under YAP-III and demolition of existing Phase-I, II, III and IV STP in Delhi” under JICA assisted Yamuna Action Plan Phase- III, as part of the National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) - Package “O

665.78

4

Pollution Abatement Works for River Alaknanda at Joshimath (Interception & Diversion with STP) in Uttarakhand State

48.42

5

Pollution Abatement Works for River Alaknanda at Rudraprayag –(Interception & Diversion with STP) in Uttarakhand State

13.14

6

Pollution Abatement Works for River Alaknanda at Karanprayag (Interception & Diversion with STP in Uttarakhand State

12.09




7

Agenda Note “Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) for ASSI-BHU Sewerage District at Ramana, Varanasi


150.95

8

Rajamahal Sewerage & STP

58.35

9

STP of 72 Mld and Interception, diversion & treatment works for Naini, Phaphamau&Jhusi area of allahabad

767.59

10

Construction of 7 nos. of prioritized STPs, 1 no. SPS and peripheral sewers in command area of Najafgarh drain

344.81

11

Pollution Abatement Works for River Ganga at Rishikesh (Interception and Diversion of Nalas (Risikesh) & Construction of 26mld STP at LakkarGhat with Tertiary Treatment & online monitoring system) in Uttarakhand State

158.00


REHABILITATION OF STP


12

Tertiary treatment of existing 27 MLD STP at Jagjeetpur in Uttarakhand State

14.59

13

Upgradation of existing 18 MLD STP at Sarai, Haridwar with 15 year O&M in Uttarakhand State

9.63

14

Providing & Laying 1200 mm Dia. DI Rising/Pressure Main from Bharat Nagar Waste Water Pumping Station to Common Inlet Chamber at Pitampura by Replacing one dysfunctional pumping main out of twin Rising/Pumping Mains of 1100 mm Dia. under YAP (III)" – Package R1b

50.92

15

Upgradation of 3.5MLD STP at Tapovan, Rishikesh in Uttarakhand State

2.19

16

Upgradation of existing 2 MLD STP at Uttarkashi (Gyansu) in Uttarakhand State

10.03


SEWERAGE NETWORK PROJECT


17

I&D works in zone A, B, C, D & E contributing to STP Jagjeetpur in Haridwar in Uttarakhand state

85.14

18

I&D works in zone F contributing to STP Sarai in Haridwar in Uttarakhand state

31.46

19

Providing & Laying Rising/ Pumping Mains of 700-900 mm Dia. DI Pipes at various locations in Kondli WWTP Catchment Area” under JICA assisted Yamuna Action Plan Phase- III (Package – ‘K4’)

66.32

20

Pollution Abatement Works for River Alaknanda at Kirtinagar–(Interception & Diversion with STP) in Uttarakhand State

4.23

21

Sewerage Network for Karmailchak

277.4


Total Cost

3044.48






This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Vijay Goel in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
24-July, 2017 17:26 IST
Construction of STP/ETP on The Bank of River Ganga



Seven numbers of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) have been commissioned on the bank of river Ganga in last three years under Namami Gange Programme. 27 Nos. of STPs are under construction.


NMCG remits funds to State Programme Management Groups every quarter based on projected requirement of funds for all NMCG approved projects during the quarter.


The detailed status of utilization/funds spent for cleaning of river Ganga and its tributaries since inception of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) state wise is tabulated below.



FY 2011-12 to 2017-18 till 30.06.2017



Rs. in crores

States

2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18

Grand Total

Bihar
-
0.60
91.14
0.00
120.23
82.03
0.20
294.20

Jharkhand
-
0.50
6.26
0.97
27.83
46.18
2.47
84.21

UP
53.44
109.10
92.30
74.58
147.58
587.17
38.22
1102.39

Uttarakhand
-
12.85
17.05
4.26
30.26
30.66
16.26
111.34

West Bengal
-
0.60
48.91
73.85
185.79
114.25
0.11
423.51

Haryana
-
-
-
-
30.00
52.73
0.00
82.73

Delhi
-
-
-
-
4.96
2.17
2.66
9.79


This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Vijay Goel in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
24-July, 2017 17:23 IST
Extinction of River Yamuna in Delhi and Agra

The major reasons for high level of pollution in river Yamuna is inadequate flow, due to over extraction of surface and ground water and discharge of untreated effluent. This Ministry is supplementing the efforts of the States for pollution abatement of river Yamuna by providing financial assistance to States of Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh in phased manner since 1993 under the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP). The total expenditure incurred on conservation of river Yamuna under the YAP Phase – I & II is Rs. 1514.70 crore.

At present Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assisted YAP Phase-III project is under implementation at an estimated cost of Rs 1656 crore in Delhi for rehabilitation and up-gradation of existing Sewage Treatment Plants (950 million litres per day) and Trunk sewers (43 kms) in Delhi. Delhi Jal Board is the implementing agency. The duration of YAP-III project is 7 years.

In “Maily Se Nirmal Yamuna Revitalization Plan 2017, under Phase-I”, the Ministry has sanctioned the STP works in Command area of Najafgarh Drain (Dhansa to Keshopur) in Delhi for an estimated amount of Rs. 344.81 crore on 70:30 cost sharing basis between the Centre and the Delhi State Government. In addition to these, State Govt. of Delhi has been taking up projects for addressing the problem of pollution of river Yamuna from their own resources.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Vijay Goel in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
28-July, 2017 13:44 IST
No Politics on Water says Uma Bharti Jal Manthan-iv Inaugurated

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has said that there should not be any politics on water and State should rise above their State outlook and should work for a national outlook on water management in the country. Inaugurating the fourth Jal Manthan, a national seminar on water related issues in New Delhi today, the Minister said “Water should not be on fire but should always be used to douse it”. She said some State Governments are afraid of taking an open stand keeping in view the national interest just because they are afraid of political opposition. Sushri Bharti said, “The onus is more on opposition than the government to amicably solve the water related issues in the country. I have decided that in future whenever I meet any States Government leaders on water related issues I will also speak to the opposition there”. She said centre is always concerned about inter states disputes on water and tries to solve it amicably through persuation. She appreciated political maturity shown by the Chief Ministers of AP and Telangana to solve the water disputes between the two States and urged the other States to emulate the same.

Referring to the interlinking of rivers the Minister urged the officials of UP and MP present in the seminar to amicably solve the pending issues related to Ken-Betwa link so that Central Government may go ahead with the Phase I of the project at the earliest. She said Maharashtra and Gujarat are cooperating with the centre at a much faster pace to complete Par-Tapi and Daman Ganga-Pinjal link projects. Sushri Bharti said that sometimes there is misconception about the interlinking of river in some states because of lack of information. For example in Odisha a section of people were opposing Mahanadi-Godavari link because there were thinking that entire water of Mahandi will be transferred to Godavari. But when they were told that extra water of Tista and Sankosh will flow to Godavari through Mahanadi they were satisfied. The Minister stressed that centre will never deprive any states of its water resources. Sushri Bharti expressed the hope the deliberations in the seminar will be helpful for all stakeholders to formulate a good water resources management policy and suggest changes to improve the existing frame work.

Minister of States in the Ministry Shri Vijay Goel and Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Baliyan also addressed the inaugural session. Agriculture Minister of Harayana Shri Om Prakash Dhankar and Water Resources Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Devineni Uma Maheswara Rao were also present in the inaugural session.

Towards its commitment for wider consultations among various stakeholders and to brain-storm new ideas for solutions to various issues of water sector the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has organized the two-day national seminar titled “Jal Manthan – IV”. Union Ministers of related Ministries/Departments, Chief Ministers of some States/Union Territories, Irrigation/Water Resources Ministers of States/Union Territories, eminent experts in water sector, representatives of NGOs and senior officers of the Central and State Governments are attending the seminar.

On the first day, consultations and discussions are being held on Pradhan Mantri Krishi Seenchai Yojana (PMKSY) and its implementation and the Review of progress made by States under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and Command Area Development (CAD) etc. The speakers include Shri Brijmohan Agrawal, Minister for Water Resources, Government of Chhattisgarh, Shri Girish Dattatray Mahajan, Minister for Water Resources, Government of Maharashtra, Shri T. Harish Rao, Minister for Irrigation, Government of Telangana, Dr. Amarjit Singh, Secretary, MoWR,RD&GR, Shri A B Pandya, Former Chairman, CWC and Shri Narendra Kumar, Chairman, CWC.

The discussions on the second day would focus on Inter-linking of Rivers and its implementation followed by Chintan Baithak to be chaired by Sushri Bharti. Shri A. D. Mohile, Former Chairman, CWC and Shri S. Masood Husain, Member (WP&P), CWC will be the main speakers on the second day.

It may be recalled that the Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has been emphasizing the need to hold wider consultations amongst various stakeholders engaged in water resource development and management to achieve synergy of water resource development with environment, wild-life and various social and cultural practices. Jal Manthan programmes are being held to achieve this purpose.

The three earlier Jal Manthan Programmes held in November, 2014, February, 2016 and January, 2017 were a huge success.

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Ministry of Water Resources
28-July, 2017 12:17 IST
Forecast for Rapid Rise in Water Levels of Rivers in Jharkhand, East Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Gujarat and North Madhya Maharashtra

Rainfall Forecast issued by India Meteorological Department for the next two days indicate that heavy to very heavy with extremely heavy falls very likely in East Madhya Pradesh, North Chhattisgarh, East Rajasthan and heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places in West Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, north Madhya Maharashtra, Gujarat on July 28 and 29, 2017. The rainfall is likely to decrease from July 30, 2017. Due to this, rivers in Sone basin, Southern Ganga tributaries between Allahabad and Ballia, Ken Betwa Basin, Chambal basin, Mahi, Sabarmati & Narmada Basins are likely to rise rapidly.

The likely impact of these rains as inferred from rainfall runoff model run for two days will be rapid rise in the river water levels in the following basins as under:- Sone Basin and Southern Ganga tributaries: River Sone and its tributaries such as Rihand, Kanhar, Koel are likely to rise in Palmau district of Jharkhand, Sarguja district in Chhattisgarh, Sonebhadra, Mirzapur districts of Uttar Pradesh, Shahdol, Siddhi and Satna districts of Madhya Pradesh. The inflows into Bansagar and Rihand Dams are likely to rise rapidly. However, since sufficient storage is available, no releases may be required from these reservoirs presently in view of less rainfall predications from July 29, 2017.

Ken and Betwa: River Ken and Betwa are expected to rise in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh, Banda and Hamirpu district of Uttar Pradesh. Inflows into Matatilla and Rajghat Dams are likely to increase. Close monitoring of the situation will be required for regulated release from the dams if required.

Chambal Basin: Chambal and its tributaries are likely to observe rise in water level in districts of Indore, Ujjain, Ratlam, Mandsaur and Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh, Kota and Jhalawar districts in Rajasthan. Since the dams in Chambal basins have sufficient storage, there may not be immediate necessity for release of water. However, situation has to be monitored closely in view of continuous warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall in East Rajasthan during the next two days. The rainfall in Jhalawar, Pali, Chittorgarh districts of Rajasthan may also see increase in water levels of many of the tributaries of Chambal.

Narmada and Tapi Basins: These basins likely to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall today and tomorrow especially in the lower Narmada, lower Tapi and Damanganga basins. River levels likely to increase in the Districts of Vadodara, Surat, Bharuch, Surat, Valsad and Navasari in Gujarat. Rainfall in Tapi basin likely to increase river level in the Nandurbar, Dhule and Jalgaon districts of Maharashtra. Since sufficient storage is available in Ukai dam there is no immediate requirement of release. However the situation needs close monitoring. Since the reservoirs like Kadana, Dharoi, Dantiwada etc. are near Full Reservoir Level (FRL), strict vigilance is required to release water in regulated manner based on inflow forecast.

Mahi, Sabarmati and Banas Basin: The catchments of Mahi and Sabarmati are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in next two days. The river water levels are likely to increase in the Districts of Jhabua, Dhar and Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh, Sirohi, Pali, Udaipur and Dungarpur districts of Rajasthan, Sabarkanta, Mehsana, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Banswara, Panchmahal, Mahisagar and Kheda districts of Gujarat.

The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Sushri Uma Bharti lighting the lamp to inaugurate the Jal Manthan-IV, in New Delhi on July 28, 2017. The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C), Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Vijay Goel and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Sushri Uma Bharti releasing the publication at the inauguration of the Jal Manthan-IV, in New Delhi on July 28, 2017. The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C), Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Vijay Goel, the Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, the Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Amarjit Singh and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Sushri Uma Bharti addressing at the inauguration of the Jal Manthan-IV, in New Delhi on July 28, 2017. The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C), Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Vijay Goel, the Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, the Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Amarjit Singh and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C), Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Vijay Goel addressing at the inauguration of the Jal Manthan-IV, in New Delhi on July 28, 2017.

The Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan addressing at the inauguration of the Jal Manthan-IV, in New Delhi on July 28, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
03-August, 2017 17:04 IST
NGT observations over Ganga River Cleaning

The NGT during the course of hearing in O.A. No. 200/2014 (M.C. Mehta Vs. Union of India & Ors.) have made certain adverse observations on efficacy of various schemes and programmes undertaken for cleaning of river Ganga.


The government has intensified its efforts for pollution abatement of river Ganga. Cleaning of river Ganga is being carried out through various activities including treatment of municipal sewage, treatment of industrial effluent, river surface cleaning, rural sanitation, afforestation and bio-diversity etc. The municipal sewage being generated in cities on banks of Ganga is being managed by a mix of Interception and Diversion projects, sewerage network and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) projects. As per condition assessment and feasibility study carried out by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), 3078 Million Litres Per Day (MLD) of sewage is generated by the towns situated on the main stem of river Ganga. As of today, sewage treatment capacity available is 1315 Mld. National Mission for Clean Ganga has already approved projects for creation of additional 1075 Mld and these projects are at various stages of implementation.


The year-wise quantum of amount allocated and spent for Namami Gange Mission from Financial year 2014-15 to 2017-18 till 30th June, 2017 is tabulated below:


FY 2014-15 to 2017-18 till 30.06.2017

(Rs. in Crores)



Financial Year
Funds Allocated
Actual Spent/ Expenditure

2014-15
326.00
170.99

2015-16
1,632.00
602.60

2016-17
1,675.00
1,062.81

2017-18
-
105.46

Total

3,633.00
1,941.86


Considering the projects completed so far, a total of 1315 mld of waste water treatment capacity has been created. On completion of ongoing projects, significant improvement in water quality will be achieved.


This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
03-August, 2017 17:02 IST
Inter-State River Water Sharing Disputes

On the complaint made by the State Governments, the Central Government has, so far, set up eight tribunals to settle water disputes among the States under the Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956.

Government of Bihar sent a request on November 27, 2013 under provision of ISRWD Act, 1956 to this Ministry for constitution of a Tribunal for adjudication of river water disputes related to Sone basin. Negotiations were carried out by Chairman, Ganga Flood Control Commission and Chairman, Central Water Commission with the States of U.P. and Bihar. It has been agreed that the two States of U.P. and Bihar would meet periodically and try to solve the issue bilaterally. The dispute has since been settled.

State of Odisha has also filed complaint dated November 19, 2017 under Section 3 of ISRWD Act, 1956 with respect to Mahanadi basin. The Central Government constituted a Negotiation Committee comprising members from basin States and concerned Ministries of Central Government, Central Water Commission, India Metrological Department, National Institute of Hydrology for settlement of the dispute through negotiation. The Negotiation Committee held two meetings on February 28, 2017 and May 22, 2017 and submitted its report in which it mentioned that any further meetings of this Committee would not be fruitful as there had been no participation from complainant State i.e. State of Odisha in both the meetings. Accordingly, the Ministry concluded that the dispute cannot be resolved by negotiation and it has been decided to constitute a Tribunal for adjudication of the dispute. Draft Cabinet Note in this regard has been prepared.

The mechanism for settlement of water disputes is already available in the form of ISRWD Act, 1956. The ISRWD Act, 1956 has been last amended in 2002 whereby adjudication of the water disputes by tribunals has been made time bound after consultation with all State Governments. Further, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation adopted a revised National Water Policy (NWP) in 2012. As per Clause 12.2 of the Policy, a permanent Water Disputes Tribunal at the Centre should be established to resolve the disputes expeditiously in an equitable manner. In this regard, the Inter-State River Water Dispute (Amendment) Bill, 2017 has been introduced in Lok Sabha on March 14, 2017 to amend the existing ISRWD Act, 1956. The Bill has further been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources by the Speaker vide order dated March 14, 2017 for examination. In this regard, three meetings of the Standing Committee have been held on June 16, 2017, June 30, 2017 and July 10, 2017.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Ministry of Water Resources
03-August, 2017 17:00 IST
Foreign aid for Namami Gange Mission

Cleaning of river is a continuous process. The Government has launched Namami Gange Programme covering short term, medium term and long term activities. Under Short term activities certain entry level activities which covers development of Ghat crematoria and river surface cleaning activities etc have been taken up.

Under Medium term activities existing sewage treatment plant and Effluent treatment Plant are being upgraded and new Sewage Treatment Plants, (STPs) and Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) are being established. Beside, rural sanitation has been taken up in the villages on the banks of river Ganga. The long term action plan involves restoration of wholesomeness of river Ganga, and maintaining the ecological and geological integrity of river.

Short term and Medium term projects are likely to be completed by 2020. Under Namami Gange Programme total 163 projects for various activities such as sewage infrastructure, river front development, ghat and crematoria, ghat cleaning, rural sanitation etc. have been sanctioned. Out of 163 projects 41 numbers of projects have been completed so far.

Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) has sanctioned two loans for Japanese Yen 11.184 billion for Varanasi Project under Ganga Action Plan-II and Japanese Yen 32.571 billion for Sewage Projects in Delhi under Yamuna Action Plan-III.

World Bank has sanctioned a loan of US $ 1 billion for funding Institutional Development and for construction of priority infrastructure projects for municipal waste water treatment and solid waste treatment on the main stem of Ganga in the five Ganga basin states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal. Government of India has withdrawn a cumulative amount of US $ 91.26 million (Rs. 550.48 crore) under this loan till date.


Upper surface of river is being cleaned by deploying Trash skimmer. At present 11 trash skimmers have been deployed in city of Kolkata, Nabadwip, Patna, Sahibganj, Delhi, Allahabad, Haridwar, Varanasi, Garhmukteshawar, Kanpur, and Mathura -Vrindawan under Namami Gange Programme. To prevent the discharge from municipal towns falling into the river, sewage infrastructure projects are being taken up. Discharge of effluents from industrial units are being monitored by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). Actions are being taken by CPCB and SPCBs against non-compliant industries under the provision of Environment Protection Act, 1986 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
03-August, 2017 16:59 IST
Expenditure on Ganga River Cleaning

Cleaning of river is a continuous process. The Government has launched Namami Gange Programme covering short term, medium term and long term activities, Under Short term activities certain entry level activities which cover development of Ghats crematoria and river surface cleaning activities etc have been taken up.

Under Medium term activities existing Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) are being upgraded and new STP and ETPs are being established. Beside, rural sanitation has been taken up in the villages on the banks of river Ganga. The long term action plans involves restoration of wholesomeness of river Ganga, and maintaining the ecological and geological integrity of river. Efforts are being made to complete Short term and Medium term projects by 2020.

Namami Gange Programme has been launched as a holistic approach covering all existing ongoing projects and new initiative. Under Namami Gange Programme 163 projects for various activities such as sewage infrastructure, river front development, Ghat and crematoria, Ghat cleaning, rural sanitation etc. has been sanctioned. Out of 163 projects, 41 numbers of projects have been completed so far. In these completed projects 223.13 Mld of sewage capacity have been created alongwith 1338.99 Km of sewer network. An amount of Rs. 1,941.86 crore has been spent against the allocated amount of Rs. 3,633.00 crore from 2014-15 to 2017-18 (till 30.06.2017).

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
03-August, 2017 16:58 IST
Projects under Namami Gange Mission

The funds allocated/released by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to the States/CPSUs/other agencies under Namami Gange Mission so far from Financial year 2014-15 to 2017-18 till 30thJune,2017 is tabulated below.


FY 2014-15 to 2017-18 till 30.06.2017 (Rs. in crores)



States
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18

Bihar
-
120.23
82.03
0.20

Jharkhand
0.97
27.83
46.18
2.47

UP
74.58
147.58
587.17
38.22

Uttarakhand
4.26
30.26
30.66
16.26

West Bengal
73.85
185.79
114.25
0.11

Haryana
-
30.00
52.73
-


Delhi
-
4.96
2.17
2.66

Madhya Pradesh
-
3.39
6.50
-

Rajasthan
-
0.00
20.00
-


Total
153.66
550.04
941.69
59.52


Total no of 163 projects have been sanctioned under Namami Gange programme at a cost of Rs. 12892.33 crore for various activities such as sewage infrastructure, river front development, Ghat and crematoria, Ghat cleaning, rural sanitation, afforestation biodiversity conservation etc. Efforts are being made to complete Short term and Medium term projects by 2020.

Assessment of sewage load through major drains discharging into main stem of river Ganga and its major tributaries is carried out under Pollution Inventorisation, Assessment and Surveillance of river Ganga project undertaken by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under Namami Gange Programme. As per CPCB data of 2016-17, 10705 MLD of flow (which includes sewer as well as non-sewer/natural flow) was estimated from 211 drains outfalling in river Ganga and its tributaries namely Ramganga, Kali (East) and Pandu. As per condition assessment and feasibility study carried out by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), sewage generation from the 108 towns located on the main stem of river Ganga was estimated to be 3078 MLD.


As per the CPCB 2016-17 data, 1109 Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) have been identified on the main stem of River Ganga and major Tributaries. Surprise inspection of these GPIs is done on regular basis for compliance verification as per the industry discharge standards and action is taken against the defaulting industries as per the provisions contained in Environment Protection Act, 1986 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
03-August, 2017 16:58 IST
Desiltation of Ganga River

On the request of State Government of Bihar, a Central team led by Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation alongwith officials and experts i.e. Sh. A.B. Pandya, former Chairman, Central Water Commission and Prof. Z. Ahmed, IIT Roorkee has visited the State on 05th June’ 2017 and held discussions with State Government officials. An aerial survey of the reach of river Ganga from Buxar to Farakka was carried out by the Central team.

The team held discussions with Chief Minister of Bihar alongwith State Government officials and experts wherein it was decided that a Committee to look into various aspects of floods and siltation in the State of Bihar shall be constituted. The opinion of State Government of Bihar has also been obtained in respect of constitution of the Committee including its Terms of Reference.

This information was given by Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
09-August, 2017 19:51 IST
President of India condoles the passing away of Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind has condoled the passing away of Member of Parliament (LS), Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat.

In a condolence message to his son, Shri Kailash Lamba, the President has said, “I am sad to learn about the sudden demise of your father, Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat.

Prof. Jat served the nation in various capacities including as Member of Parliament, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Cabinet Minister, Government of Rajasthan and Minister of State (Independent Charge), Government of Rajasthan. In his death, the nation has lost a distinguished leader who was always in touch with the grassroots of society.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to other members of your family. May you all have the strength to bear this irreparable loss with courage and fortitude”.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
10-August, 2017 15:09 IST
Encroachment of Catchment Areas of Ganga River

Government of India has notified constitution of Authorities at National, State and District levels vide notification at 7th October, 2016 to take measures for prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution in River Ganga and to ensure continuous adequate flow of water so as to rejuvenate the River Ganga. As per the above Authority Order, no person shall construct any structure for residential or commercial or industrial or any other purposes in the River Ganga, banks of River Ganga or its tributaries or active flood plain area of River Ganga or its tributaries. The Authority order also provides for removal of such construction if such construction causes interruption in the continuous flow of water or pollution in River Ganga or its tributaries. In addition, Union Government had circulated Model Flood Plain Zoning Bill in 1975 to all States but only Manipur, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand had enacted the legislation.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
10-August, 2017 15:07 IST
Depletion of Groundwater Resources

The National Water Policy (2012) formulated by Ministry of Water Resources, RD & GR, inter-alia, advocates conservation, promotion and protection of water and highlights the need for augmenting the availability of water through rain water harvesting, direct use of rainfall and other management measures. The National Water Policy (2012) has been forwarded to all State/UTs and concerned Central Government Ministries/ Departments for adoption.


Further, Government of India has circulated a Model Bill to all the States/UTs to enable them to enact suitable ground water legislation for its regulation and development, which includes provision of rain water harvesting. So far, 15 States/UTs have adopted and implemented the ground water legislation on the lines of Model bill. Also, Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has been constituted under “The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986” for the purpose of regulation and control of ground water development and management in the Country. CGWA has so far notified 162 areas in the Country for the purpose of regulation of ground water. CGWA has also issued advisories to States and UTs to take measures to promote/adopt artificial recharge to ground water / rain water harvesting. So far, 30 States/UTs have made rain water harvesting mandatory by enacting laws or by formulating rules & regulations or by including provisions in their building bye-laws or through suitable Government Orders.


Other steps taken by the Central Government to control depletion of ground water resources are available at the following URL http://mowr.gov.in/writereaddata/GW_Depletion.pdf.


As per CGWA guidelines, any user withdrawing groundwater for industrial/ infrastructure / mining project has to obtain ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’. Any withdrawal of ground water without valid NOC from CGWA is liable to have penal action under Section 15 of ‘The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986’, under which imprisonment for a term which may extend upto five years or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both with provisions for additional fine of Rs.5,000/- per day for continued failure or contravention.



Central Ground Water Board conducts and facilitates research in ground water domain by taking up research projects at its Training and Research Institute.


Central Government is also encouraging R&D studies to ensure safe ground water. CGWB under Indian National Committee on Ground Water (INCGW) R&D programme is sponsoring Research Project for groundwater. Under the R&D scheme of MoWR, RD&GR, budget is allocated for sponsoring research in water resource sector that includes groundwater component and funds are allocated through INCGW.


This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
10-August, 2017 15:04 IST
Drainage from Nallahs into Ganga River

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in its order dated 19th October, 2016 in OA No.200 of 2014 in the matter of M.C. Mehta vs Union of India had directed a joint inspection team to visit the area falling in Segment ‘B’ of Phase-I (Haridwar to Kanpur) and identify the number of drains joining river Ganga or its tributaries and make observations in relation to quantum and quality of effluent that is going to river Ganga or its main tributaries through drains.

The joint inspection team submitted its report to the Hon’ble NGT. 86 major drains have been identified which are directly discharging into River Ganga (30 drains) and its major tributaries namely Ramganga (25 drains), Kali-East (26 drains) and Pandu river (5 drains). Of the 86 drains, 52 drains were found to be carrying domestic sewage, 2 were found to be carrying industrial effluent whereas remaining 32 were found to be carrying mixed effluent.

Namami Gange Programme has been launched as a holistic approach to clean Ganga through various activities such as treatment of municipal sewage, treatment of industrial affluents, river surface cleaning, rural sanitation, afforestation and biodiversity etc. For checking entry of sewage affluents into river Ganga, sewage infrastructure projects are being sanctioned in towns along the main stem of river Ganga, which includes creation of Sewage Treatment Plants, sewage network projects and interception & diversion network to divert the flow of polluting drain towards treatment plants. To check industrial pollution, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has inventorised 1109 Gross Polluting Industries (GPIs). These GPIs are being inspected and monitored regularly and closure directions are being issued to non-compliant industries.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
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Ministry of Water Resources
10-August, 2017 15:04 IST
World Bank Aid for cleaning of Ganga River

World Bank has sanctioned a loan of US $ 1 billion for funding Institutional Development and for construction of priority infrastructure projects for municipal waste water treatment and solid waste treatment on the main stem of Ganga in the five Ganga basin states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal.

Government of India has withdrawn a cumulative amount of US $ 91.26 million (Rs. 550.48 crore) under this loan till date.

Cleaning of river is a continuous process. Namami Gange Programme has been launched as a holistic approach covering all existing ongoing projects and new initiative. Under Namami Gange project total number of 173 projects for various activities such as sewage infrastructure, river front development, ghat and crematoria, ghat cleaning, river surface cleaning, afforestation and biodiversity conservation and rural sanitation etc. have been sanctioned. Out of 173 projects 41 numbers of projects have been completed so far.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
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Ministry of Water Resources
10-August, 2017 11:49 IST
Ten Namami Gange projects of Rs. 2,000 crore Approved

National Mission for Clean Ganga has approved ten projects in Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh to the tune of about Rs 2,033 crore. Eight of the ten projects pertain to sewage infrastructure and treatment, one to river front development and one to Ganga Knowledge Centre. These projects were approved in the 5th meeting of the Executive Committee of National Mission for Clean Ganga.

In Bihar, three major sewage infrastructure projects with total estimated cost of Rs 1461 crore in Barh, Kankarbagh and Digha have been approved. These projects will create additional sewage treatment capacity of 161 MLD (100 MLD in Digha, 50 MLD in Kankarbagh and 11 MLD in Barh). In Kankarbagh and Digha sewerage zones of Patna, presently there is no STP. It may be recalled that under Namami Gange programme creation of 200 MLD sewage treatment capacities has already been sanctioned in remaining four sewerage zones in Patna – Beur, Saidpur, Karmalichak and Pahari.

In West Bengal, three projects at an estimated cost of Rs 495.47 crore have been approved. Out of these two pertain to sewage infrastructure while the third one is for river front development. Pollution abatement and rehabilitation works for river Ganga in Howrah and Tolly’s Nullah (popularly known as Adi Ganga), a tributary of Ganga in Kolkata have been approved with total estimated cost of Rs 492.34 crore. These two projects will create additional sewage treatment capacity of 91 MLD in Kolkata. A detailed project report (DPR) for renovation of Boral ferry and Boral bathing ghats in Nabadwip town of West Bengal has also been approved at an estimated cost of Rs 3.13 crore which would include river bank protection work, construction of waiting rooms, stairs, seating arrangements etc.

In Uttar Pradesh, sewage infrastructure work in Chunar, district Mirzapur, has also been approved at an estimated cost of Rs 27.98 crore under which an STP of 2 MLD capacity will be created apart from interception and diversion of drains.

It is also noteworthy that the projects in Kankarbagh and Digha in Bihar and Howrah and Kolkata in West Bengal will be taken up under Hybrid Annuity based PPP model in which 60 per cent of capital cost will be paid to the contractor over a period of 15 years on the basis of his work performance on the achievement of desired norms of treated waste water.

A project to establish Ganga Monitoring Centres in five riparian Ganga states has also been approved at an estimated cost of Rs 46.69 crore. The objectives of establishing GMCs are efficient monitoring of wholesomeness of river including pollution levels, flow levels, point and non-point sources of pollution, periodic reporting of monitored parameters to NMCG/SPMG/District Ganga Committee, remedial actions by NMCG on its basis, collation of data sets etc.

Besides, two pilot demonstrative projects of treatment of drains using bioremediation method were approved. The drains which will be treated with this technology are Danapur drain in Patna and Nehru drain in Allahabad at a total estimated cost of Rs 1.63 crore. All projects will be funded 100 per cent by the Central Government.

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Ministry of Water Resources
10-August, 2017 15:02 IST
Inter-Linking of Rivers

The National Perspective Plan (NPP) was prepared by the then Ministry of Irrigation, now Ministry of Water Resources, RD & GR for water resources development through inter basin transfer of water, for transferring water from water surplus basins to water-deficit basins. Under the NPP, the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has identified 30 links (16 under Peninsular Component & 14 under Himalayan Component) for preparation of Feasibility Reports. The pre-feasibility report of the all 30 links have been prepared and circulated to the concerned State Governments by the NWDA. After survey and investigations, Feasibility Reports of 14 links under Peninsular Component and Feasibility Reports of 2 links and draft Feasibility Reports of 7 links (Indian portion) under Himalayan Component have been completed.

Four priority links under Peninsular Rivers Component have been identified for preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) viz; Ken-Betwa Link, Phase –I & II, Damanganga-Pinjal Link, Par-Tapi-Narmada link and Mahanadi-Godavari link. The preparation of DPR of a project is taken up only after consent of concerned State Governments. Based on the concurrence of the concerned States, DPRs of Ken-Betwa link project Phase-I & Phase-II, Damanganga-Pinjal link and Par-Tapi-Narmada link have been completed. The techno-economic clearance and various statutory clearances of the Ken-Betwa link project Phase-I have been accorded. The techno-economic clearance of the Damanganga-Pinjal link project has also been accorded subject to statutory clearances. The DPR of Par-Tapi-Narmada link is under technical appraisal in the Central Water Commission.

The implementation of Inter linking of Rivers (ILR) projects involves various steps such as preparation of Pre-feasibility Reports(PFRs) /Feasibility Reports (FRs) of links, negotiation and consensus among concerned States, agreement with neighboring countries if link involves area lying in those countries, preparation of DPRs of the projects, clearance from appraisal agencies which includes clearance by Ministry of Environment & Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), techno-economic clearance by Advisory Committee on Irrigation, Flood Control & Multipurpose Projects of MoWR, RD & GR, investment clearance and the construction time required for the completion of the project as per the DPR.

The stage of implementation of a project would be reached after its DPR is prepared with the consensus of concerned States and the requisite statutory clearances are obtained. Thus the implementation of the projects will take varying periods of time.

No State except Kerala is opposing the Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) Programme. Further Kerala Government is opposing only Pamba-Achankovil-Vaippar link which concerns the State.

Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) programme has been taken up on high priority. The Government is pursuing the ILR program in a consultative manner.

As directed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court vide its judgment dated 27.02.2012 in the Writ Petition (Civil) No. 512 of 2002 on ‘Networking of Rivers’ alongwith Writ Petition No. 668 of 2002 a committee called “Special Committee on Interlinking of Rivers” vide Gazette Notification dated 23rd September, 2014 has been constituted.

The Special Committee on Interlinking of Rivers chaired by Hon’ble Union Minister (WR, RD & GR) as per the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court is expediting the progress and effective implementation in the ILR projects. Thirteen meetings of the Special Committee for ILR have been held so far and the last meeting was held on July 27, 2017 at New Delhi. Views and observations on the ILR programme have been received from various State Govts, experts and other stakeholders in the meetings of the Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers (ILR). The Special Committee would consider all such observations appropriately while planning and formulating the ILR projects.

The Committee, after considering the views of all the stakeholders, is proceeding ahead to expedite the objectives of the interlinking of rivers as per terms of reference. Vigorous efforts have been taken up for generating consensus with development of alternative plans and also setting out road maps for implementation of mature projects.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
10-August, 2017 15:01 IST
Flood Warning Centres

Divisional Flood Control Rooms (DFCRs) at regional level for monitoring flood situation and issuing forecasts have been set up by Central Water Commission (CWC) which work on 24x7 basis during 1st May/ June to 31st October/ December every year. Central Flood Control Room (CFCR) has been set up at CWC HQ in New Delhi which works on 24x7 basis during 1st May to 31st December every year. CFCR monitors the flood situation at national level and also facilitates to generate three days flood advisory.

The remote sensing data (Rainfall, Topography, Land-use/ Land-cover etc.) and Geographical Information System are being used in mathematical modeling for flood forecasting under flood management activity of CWC.Generation of Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) currently used at 146 river-basins of India for assessing the flood inundation scenario by CWC is at par with the global standards.

The said technology is being used for Indus and its tributaries, Ganga & its tributaries, Brahmaputra & its tributaries, Barak system, Subarnarekha, Brahmani & Baitarani, Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, Sabarmati, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, West flowing rivers Kutch, Saurashtra and Tapi to Tadri, Cauvery and its tributaries, Pennar and East flowing rivers Mahanadi to Pennar and Pennar to Kanyakumari. In order to meet specific requirements of flood forecasting, which is provided by Central Water Commission, India Meteorological Department (IMD) operates Flood Meteorological Offices (FMOs) at thirteen locations viz., Agra, Ahmedabad, Asansol, Bhubaneshwar, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jalpaiguri, Lucknow, New Delhi, Patna, Srinagar, Bangaluru and Chennai. Apart from this, IMD also supports Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) by providing Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF) for Damodar river basin areas for their flood forecasting activities. During the flood season, FMOs provide valuable meteorological support to CWC for issuing flood warnings in respect of the 43 rivers of India covering 146 river-basins. CWC is working in close association with IMD and State Governments for timely flood forecast whenever the river water level rises above warning level.

In recent years, IMD has been able to correctly predict several extreme weather and climate events like heavy rainfall etc. which causes floods.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has continued its efforts for the improvement of observing, warning and dissemination systems more vigorously in recent years. The improved services rendered in respect of very short (up to 6 hours), short (up to 3-days in advance), medium (up to 7-10 days in advance), extended (up to 15-days in advance), long (monthly and seasonal) range and severe weather (cyclone, thunderstorms, extreme rainfall) forecasts have been built to meet the demands of the user agencies, disaster managers, emergency response groups and other stakeholders in an organized manner.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
10-August, 2017 14:59 IST
Inter-State River Water Sharing Disputes

On the complaint made by the State Governments, the Central Government has, so far, set up 08 tribunals to settle water disputes among the States under the Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956.

Government of Bihar sent a request on 27.11.2013 under provision of ISRWD Act, 1956 to this Ministry for constitution of a Tribunal for adjudication of river water disputes related to Sone basin. Negotiations were carried out by the Chairman, Ganga Flood Control Commission and Chairman, Central Water Commission with the States of U.P. and Bihar. It has been agreed that the two States of U.P. and Bihar would meet periodically and try to solve the issue bilaterally. The dispute has since been settled.

State of Odisha has also filed complaint dated 19.11.2017 under Section 3 of ISRWD Act, 1956 with respect to Mahanadi basin. The Central Government constituted a Negotiation Committee comprising members from basin States and concerned Ministries of Central Government, Central Water Commission, India Metrological Department, National Institute of Hydrology for settlement of the dispute through negotiation. The Negotiation Committee held two meetings on 28.02.2017 and 22.05.2017 and submitted its report in which it mentioned that that any further meetings of this Committee would not be fruitful as there had been no participation from complainant State i.e. State of Odisha in both the meetings. Accordingly, the Ministry concluded that the dispute cannot be resolved by negotiation and it has been decided to constitute a Tribunal for adjudication of the dispute. Draft Cabinet Note in this regard has been prepared.

The mechanism for settlement of water disputes is already available in the form of ISRWD Act, 1956. The ISRWD Act, 1956 was last amended in 2002 whereby adjudication of the water disputes by tribunals has been made time bound. Further, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation adopted a revised National Water Policy (NWP) in 2012. As per Clause 12.2 of the Policy, a permanent Water Disputes Tribunal at the Centre should be established to resolve the disputes expeditiously in an equitable manner. In this regard, a Bill has been introduced in Lok Sabha on 14.03.2017 to amend the existing ISRWD Act, 1956. The Bill has further been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources by the Hon'ble Speaker vide order dated 14.03.2017 for examination. In this regard, three meetings of the Committee have been held on 16.06.2017, 30.06.2017 and 10.07.2017.

No high level committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of former Planning Commission Member dealing with the subject of Inter-State River Water Sharing Disputes. However, a committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mihir Shah, former member, erstwhile Planning Commission to deal with the subject of restructuring of CWC and CGWB. The Committee has submitted its report in July, 2016.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
10-August, 2017 14:59 IST
Construction of Barrages on Mahanadi

Central Water Commission (CWC) under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (MoWR, RD & GR) carries out techno-economic appraisal of major and medium irrigation projects (Command Area more than 2000 hectare) which are planned on Inter-State river / river basins. 15 projects of Chhattisgarh have been approved and accepted by Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of MoWR, RD & GR.

As per the complaint of Odisha dated 19.11.2016 under Section 3 of the Inter State River Water Dispute (ISRWD) Act, 1956, the utilization of water to the extent of 33.89 BCM by Chhattisgarh is for the purposes of existing, ongoing and future irrigation, industrial use and domestic projects of Chhattisgarh. In its complaint dated 19.11.2016 submitted to the Central Government under Section 3 of the ISRWD Act, 1956, the Government of Odisha raised the issues like quantum of minimum flow in Hirakud dam, surplus flow and shares of States in minimum and surplus flows.

The Central Government in accordance with Sec 4(1) of ISRWD Act, 1956 set up a Negotiation Committee on 19.01.2017, which comprised of members from basin States and concerned Ministries of Central Government, Central Water Commission, India Meteorological Department and National Institute of Hydrology for finding a negotiated settlement of the water dispute. The Committee submitted its report to MoWR, RD & GR on 27.6.2017.

In accordance with the provisions of the ISRWD Act, 1956, the Central Government is required to refer the matter to a Tribunal for adjudication within a year from the date of receipt of reference if it is of the opinion that the water dispute cannot be settled by negotiations. Therefore, issues raised in the complaint dated 19.11.2016 of State of Odisha are subject to the outcome of the adjudication process.

Govt. of Odisha has also filed Original Suit No.1/2017 in Hon'ble Supreme Court. Govt. of Odisha prayed before the Hon'ble Supreme Court for restraining Govt. of Chhattisgarh from continuing construction and operation of six industrial Barrages and taking up any project from the category of future project. Govt. of Odisha also prayed for constitution of Tribunal for resolution of Mahanadi water dispute. The case was last heard on 25.07.2017 and is pending. Hence, the matter is subjudice in the Court.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
10-August, 2017 14:58 IST
National Water Framework Law

A Committee constituted by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Revejunation on 28.12.2015 under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mihir Shah suggested a draft National Water Framework Bill, 2016 which inter-alia, contains provisions for an overarching national legal framework with principles for protection, conservation, regulation and management of water as a vital and stressed natural resource.

The draft Bill was circulated to all the States/Union Territories and the concerned Central Ministries for obtaining their comments. The nine States Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have furnished their comments on this draft Bill.

Fixing a tentative date for achieving consensus is subject to concurrence/support of the State Governments/UTs. However, Secretary of this Ministry vide D.O. letter dated 20.01.2017, has communicated the benefits of National Water Framework Law (NWFL) to the Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs and requested them to support the Bill. The Minister (WR, RD & GR) vide her letter written on 14th & 21st March, 2017, has also requested Chief Ministers of all States/UTs to pass suitable resolutions in their State Assemblies in support of the draft National Water Framework Bill, 2016.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
10-August, 2017 15:02 IST
Rehabilitation of Families Displaced due to Sardar Sarovar Project

Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R & R) of all Project Affected Families (PAFs) due to Sardar Sarovar Project has been completed as per Narmada Water Dispute Tribunal Award, liberalized R & R policies of the State Governments of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 8th February, 2017and Grievances Redressal Authorities (GRA) Orders.


The State wise details are as under :-

State
No. of Villages affected

Gujarat
19
Maha-rashtra
33
Madhya Pradesh
178



Total PAFs

Gujarat
4763
Maha-rashtra
4307
Madhya Pradesh
23614


Total PAFs resettled in

Gujarat
4763

Maha-rashtra
3530

Madhya Pradesh
18063


Total PAFs resettled

Gujarat
4763

Maha-rashtra
4284 +23*

Madhya Pradesh
32684


* Remaining 23 PAFs in Maharashtra comprise 03 dead with no legal heirs and 20 untraceable. Adequate house plots and 99 hectare (ha) (against 35 ha required) of agriculture land is available to resettle them.



This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
10-August, 2017 15:09 IST
Encroachment of Catchment Areas of Ganga River

Government of India has notified constitution of Authorities at National, State and District levels vide notification at 7th October, 2016 to take measures for prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution in River Ganga and to ensure continuous adequate flow of water so as to rejuvenate the River Ganga. As per the above Authority Order, no person shall construct any structure for residential or commercial or industrial or any other purposes in the River Ganga, banks of River Ganga or its tributaries or active flood plain area of River Ganga or its tributaries. The Authority order also provides for removal of such construction if such construction causes interruption in the continuous flow of water or pollution in River Ganga or its tributaries. In addition, Union Government had circulated Model Flood Plain Zoning Bill in 1975 to all States but only Manipur, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand had enacted the legislation.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Water Resources
10-August, 2017 15:07 IST
Depletion of Groundwater Resources

The National Water Policy (2012) formulated by Ministry of Water Resources, RD & GR, inter-alia, advocates conservation, promotion and protection of water and highlights the need for augmenting the availability of water through rain water harvesting, direct use of rainfall and other management measures. The National Water Policy (2012) has been forwarded to all State/UTs and concerned Central Government Ministries/ Departments for adoption.


Further, Government of India has circulated a Model Bill to all the States/UTs to enable them to enact suitable ground water legislation for its regulation and development, which includes provision of rain water harvesting. So far, 15 States/UTs have adopted and implemented the ground water legislation on the lines of Model bill. Also, Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has been constituted under “The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986” for the purpose of regulation and control of ground water development and management in the Country. CGWA has so far notified 162 areas in the Country for the purpose of regulation of ground water. CGWA has also issued advisories to States and UTs to take measures to promote/adopt artificial recharge to ground water / rain water harvesting. So far, 30 States/UTs have made rain water harvesting mandatory by enacting laws or by formulating rules & regulations or by including provisions in their building bye-laws or through suitable Government Orders.


Other steps taken by the Central Government to control depletion of ground water resources are available at the following URL http://mowr.gov.in/writereaddata/GW_Depletion.pdf.


As per CGWA guidelines, any user withdrawing groundwater for industrial/ infrastructure / mining project has to obtain ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’. Any withdrawal of ground water without valid NOC from CGWA is liable to have penal action under Section 15 of ‘The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986’, under which imprisonment for a term which may extend upto five years or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both with provisions for additional fine of Rs.5,000/- per day for continued failure or contravention.



Central Ground Water Board conducts and facilitates research in ground water domain by taking up research projects at its Training and Research Institute.


Central Government is also encouraging R&D studies to ensure safe ground water. CGWB under Indian National Committee on Ground Water (INCGW) R&D programme is sponsoring Research Project for groundwater. Under the R&D scheme of MoWR, RD&GR, budget is allocated for sponsoring research in water resource sector that includes groundwater component and funds are allocated through INCGW.


This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.


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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation
12-August, 2017 18:27 IST
Uttar Pradesh to be Fully Open Defecation Free by 2018

All 4480 villages on the bank of River Ganga in 52 districts and 5 states (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand & West Bengal) were declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) under Namami Gange initiative at the Ganga Gram Sammelan held today at Naini, Allahabad by Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water and Sanitation.

Later, Sushri Uma Bharati, Union Minister for Water Resources and Ganga Rejuvenation and Shri Narendra Singh Tomar launched model Ganga Gram initiative under which 24 Namami Gange villages have been identified in the 1st phase (Uttarakhand – 3, Uttar Pradesh – 10, Bihar – 4, Jharkhand – 5, and West Bengal – 2) to make them Adarsh Ganga Grams. Ganga Gram is a joint initiative of MDWS and MoWR. The Gram Pradhans of these villages were administered oath for achieving the goal of Adarsh Ganga Gram by Sushri Uma Bharati.

The Ganga Gram initiative would focus on better cleanliness and infrastructure facilities like Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM), rejuvenation of ponds and water sources, water conservation projects, organic farming, crematorium and overall convergence with other government departments and projects.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath reiterated the commitment to make the entire Uttar Pradesh state ODF by December 2018 and stressed that SBM is among the top priority programs in the state.

In her address, Sushri Uma Bharti said that a major step has been taken in the direction of cleaning the holy river Ganga by putting the required framework in place.

Shri Tomar highlighted the progress made under Swachh Bharat Mission. He said that the country has made fast and remarkable progress with sanitation coverage increasing to around 66.5% with 2.25 lakh villages and 169 districts becoming ODF. He said that the country is well placed to achieve the target of becoming ODF by 2nd October 2019.

At the end of the programme, 30 Swachhta Raths were flagged off jointly by Shri Yogi, Sushri Uma Bharti and Shri Tomar. The Raths are mobile vans equipped with LED panels for screening Swachhta Films and also a Nukkad Natak Team for community engagement in villages. The Raths would tour the entire state and create mass awareness and would help in triggering behaviour change among the community members. In this week about 300 Raths in may states will tour thousands of villages to disseminate message of swachhta.

Earlier, speaking in the programme, Secretary, DWS, Shri Parameswaran Iyer elaborated the concepts of Ganga Gram and Swachhta Rath. He also presented the national scenario and status of SBM-G and highlighted the role of Jan Andolan for increasing the momentum of SBM.

The Sammelan was also attended by the Deputy CM of UP, Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, State Minister- Panchayati Raj, senior officials from MDWS, MoWR, state officials, Gram Pradhans of Ganga Gram Villages and more than 1500 village representatives and swachhagrahi.

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[Hindustani78]

Cabinet
16-August, 2017 16:23 IST
Cabinet approves raising Extra Budgetary Resources upto Rs. 9020 crore for Long Term Irrigation Fund during the year 2017-18

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today has given its approval for raising Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR) of upto Rs. 9020 crore as per the requirement during 2017-18 by NABARD through issuance of Bonds for ensuring lending rate of 6% per annum (pa) in respect of borrowings for implementation of Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) works of 99 ongoing prioritized irrigation projects along with their command area development (CAD) works under PMKSY.

A large number of major and medium irrigation projects taken up under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) were languishing mainly due to inadequate provision of funds. During 2016-17, 99 ongoing projects under PMKSY- AIBP were identified for completion in phases by December-2019. To cater to the large fund requirement and ensure completion of these projects, the Union Finance Minister, during his Budget speech 2016-17, announced creation of dedicated Long Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF) in NABARD with an initial corpus of Rs. 20,000 crore for funding of Central and State share for the identified ongoing projects under PMKSY (AIBP and CAD).

To make the loan from NABARD attractive for states, it was decided that the rate of interest may be kept around 6% by providing requisite cost free funds to NABARD every year during 2016-17 to 2019-20 on which interest cost would be borne by Govt. of India.

During the year 2016-17, NABARD disbursed aggregate amount of Rs. 9086.02 crore under LTIF, out of which Rs. 2414.16 crore was released for Polavaram project (without EBR component) and balance Rs. 6671.86 crore was released to identified projects using EBR. Further, an amount of Rs. 924.9 crore was disbursed as Central Assistance (CA) through budgetary provision. During 2016-17, overall an amount of Rs 2187 crore was raised by NABARD in the form of Government of India fully serviced bond as EBR.

During 2017-18, it is estimated that an amount of Rs 29,000 Crore may be required through LTIF, for which EBR of Rs 9020 cr would be required.

As per the status reported by the states and Central Water Commission during various review meeting, 18 projects have been completed/almost completed. Irrigation potential utilization is expected to be more than 14 lakh hectares during 2016-17 from all the 99 projects. During 2017-18, 33 more projects are likely to be completed. The completion of the identified irrigation projects will generate immediate wage and other employment opportunities in good measure during the construction phase. More importantly, on completion of the projects, the utilization of irrigation potential of about 76 lakh hectares will transform the agriculture scenario of the region resulting in generation of substantially more employment opportunities through increase in cropping intensity, change in cropping pattern, agro processing and other ancillary activities.

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Cabinet
16-August, 2017 16:20 IST
Cabinet approves completion of balance works of North Koel Reservoir Project

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today has given its approval to the proposal to complete the balance works of the North Koel Reservoir Project in Jharkhand and Bihar at an estimated expenditure of Rs.1622.27 crore to be incurred during three financial years from the start of the project.

The Cabinet also approved storage of water in dam restricted at lower level than envisaged earlier to reduce the submergence and to protect Betla National Park and Palamau Tiger Reserve.



The project is situated on North Koel river which is a tributary of Sone river finally joining the river Ganga. The North Koel Reservoir is located in the most backward tribal areas in Palamau and Garhwa districts of Jharkhand State. The construction was originally started in the year 1972 and continued till 1993 when it was stopped by the Forest Department, Govt. of Bihar. Since then, the work on dam is at a standstill. The major components of project are: 67.86 m high and 343.33 m long concrete dam called Mandal dam originally intended to store 1160 million cubic metre (MCM) water; 819.6 m long barrage at Mohammadganj, 96 km downstream of the dam; and two canals originating from left and right banks of Mohammadganj Barrage with distributaries system for irrigation. With the new lowered elevation level (EL) of 341 metre, the Mandal dam will now have storage of 190 MCM. The project aims to provide irrigation to 111,521 hectares of land annually in the most backward and drought prone areas of Palamu & Garhwa districts in Jharkhand and Aurangabad & Gaya districts in Bihar. The unfinished project as on date is providing irrigation to 71,720 hectares and completion of this project will provide additional irrigation benefit to the extent of 39,801 hectares. The irrigation potential through this Project in the two States would be as follows:



Total irrigation potential: 1,11, 521 hectares

Irrigation potential in Bihar: 91,917 hectares

Irrigation potential in Jharkhand: 19,604 hectares


The total cost of the project as assessed on date is Rs 2391.36 crore. An expenditure amounting to Rs. 769.09 crore has been incurred on the project till date. The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for completing the balance of the North-Koel reservoir project in Jharkhand & Bihar at an estimated cost of Rs 1622.27 crore during three financial years.



The common components amounting to Rs.1013.11 crore of balance works would be funded by the Central Government as a grant from PMKSY Fund. This would include cost of Net Present Value (NPV) and Compensatory Afforestation (CA) which comes to Rs.607 crore and Rs.43 crore respectively. The Central Government will also fund 60% of the cost of balance works amounting to Rs.365.5 crore (Bihar Rs.318.64 crore and Jharkhand Rs.46.86 crore) from Long Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF) under PMKSY as grant from the States of Bihar and Jharkhand. The States of Bihar and Jharkhand will arrange 40% of remaining cost of balance works amounting to Rs.243.66 crore (Bihar 212.43 crore and Jharkhand 31.23 crore) as loan from LTIF through NABARD at the rate which is not subsidised and is related to market borrowing cost with no interest subvention.



The Cabinet also approved execution of balance works of the project on turnkey basis by M/S WAPCOS Ltd., a CPSU under MoWR, RD & GR as Project Management Consultant (PMC). The execution of the project will be monitored by an Empowered Committee of Government of India headed by CEO NITI Aayog.



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Jharkhand chhath puja celebration in Koyal River - Rehla (palamu) Jharkhand

 

[Hindustani78]

Devotees gather to take holy dip at Har ki Paidi on the occasion of Somvati Amavasaya in Haridwar on Monday. PTI Photo

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ck-a-riverine-way-of-life/article19555778.ece

NGOs going all out to revive a network of rivulets connected to Meenachil
It was a network of waterways that played a pivotal role in the socio-economic life the people of the area — a network linked to the ebbs and flows of the Meenachil river. A network with the centrality of the Meenanthara river, which showed the characteristics of an independent river on certain stretches and that of a tributary on others. However, with the shift in the mode of transport from water to road, land filling and encroachments, the river’s import diminished.

Now local people and environmental organisations are joining hands to rejuvenate the Meenanthara river and its offshoots in an effort to revive the riverine social life.

Says Gopu Nattassery, head of the Green Community who is coordinating the effort: “The network of rivulets has almost ceased to exist as they are contaminated with industrial and municipal waste and filled with weeds. The degeneration of the river has impacted cultivation in more than 1,000 acres of paddy fields in Vadavathoor. It has also led to disuse of thousands of open wells. The Meenathara river was once a rich breeding ground for indigenous fish varieties.”

Another rivulet that starts from the Meenanthara river at Natassery and moving to Kanjikkuzhi to join the Kodoor river at Manganam, which has historical value, would also have to be revived, said T.P. Rajiv, convener of Kottayam Nattukoottam, an activist group. “The waterway was developed during the reign of the Tekkumkoor Rajas to travel from Kumaranalloor to Thengana near Changanassery,” he said. This was expanded when Sir T. Madhav Rao was the Diwan Peshkar of the division during the Travancore period.

The rivulet which commences from Arumanoor and travels through Ayarkunnam, Amayannur, Manarcadu and joins the Meenanthara river at Vadavathur is also in dire need for revival, he added.

Flooding

He said the revival of the riparian system would help tackle the flooding of Kottayam town and vicinity during monsoon. It would also lead to revival of the agrarian life in the area.

Jacob George, president, Green Fraternity Kerala, the organisation spearheading the efforts, said the river system is on its deathbed. It would be asphyxiated in a few years if corrective steps are not taken immediately. “Fish forms have died or left the rivers, birds have flown away and frog croaks have come to an abrupt end. Most life forms have deserted the riverbanks.”

The NGOs have organised a workshop for the purpose in Kottayam on August 28. The next step in the revival project would be finalised at the workshop.

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Religious Importance

According to Vedas , the Meenachil River starts from the kamandalu(holy vessel) of the great sage Gauna Maharshi like Kaveri river originating from Agasthya Maharishi’s kamandalu. Hence Meenachil got the name Gauna Nadi. Gauna Maharishi filled his kamandalu with water from the Sapthanadi- Ganga, Yamuna,Saraswathy, Sindhu, Narmada, Godavari and Kaveri. An idol of Lord Subrahamanya was also kept in his kamandalu along with the Sapthanadi Theertham. He was eagerly waiting for the darshan of Lord Sree Rama who was on his victory journey to Ayodhya after killing Ravana. Maharishi Gauna could not see Lord Rama and Sita as Rama was accompanied by a large number of devotees like Vibhishana, Sugreeva and Angada in the Pushpaka Vimana. Gauna got angry and threw the kamandalu away and the idol of Subrahmanya Swamy came out. The hills where these incidents occurred came to be called ‘Kudamuruttimala’. This flow of water from the overturned kamandalu became a river and thus the present Gauna Nadi was formed. Along with the flow of water, the idol was carried away to Kidangoor and later installed in a temple. This is the present Kidangoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple. Lord Sree Rama and Sita Devi later
gave darshan (view) to Gauna, who on Rama’s advice continued his thapas (penance), worshipping Lord Shiva and attained Moksha. The idol worshipped by Gauna was later found from Kadappattur and is the now famous Kadappatturappan.

The name Meenachil came from Goddess Madurai Meenakshi, the deity of the erstwhile ruling Ponjar Rajahas and Meenachil Karthas who emigrated from the Cumbom–Goodallur area to settle down in Kottayam. Meenakshi became Meenachi and later Meenachil. Meenachil was also known as Kavanar, Valanjar and Gauna Nadi.

 

[Hindustani78]

A young boy jumps into the flooded Ganga Raiver at Kalighat in Patna on Wednesday. PTI Photo

Youngsters sit inside Humes pipes at a city street in Kolkata on Saturday. PTI Photo

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...fore-nationalising-rivers/article19568090.ece

Panaji: The Goa government should carry out environment and social impact assessment studies before agreeing to nationalise six rivers in the State, Goa Congress president Shantaram Naik said on Saturday.

He told reporters that the State government’s hurry to sign a draft memorandum of understanding with the Central government to allow nationalisation of the six rivers— including the two main rivers, Mandovi and Zuari — would spell doom for coastal communities, including fisherfolk.

“What will happen if the social impact study turns out to be adverse? Will the Centre delete the names of the six rivers annexed to the Schedule of Nationalisation of Waterways Act and apologise to the people of Goa?” Mr. Naik asked

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
28-August, 2017 16:31 IST
NMCG Awards Contracts for Three STPs on Hybrid Annuity Mode

In a big push to Namami Gange programme, National Mission for Clean Ganga under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has awarded for the first time contracts for three STPs under hybrid annuity model. Two STPs of 68 MLD and 14 MLD will be set up at Haridwar and one STP of 15 MLD at Varanasi.

This Hybrid Annuity model is first of its kind in the country’s waste water management sector. The Central Government will completely fund the STPs construction ensuring that there is no shortage of resources for the project. The unique financial model will ensure the transparency and accountability of the running of sewage treatment infrastructure.

The contractors will not only establish the sewage treatment plant but they will also operate and maintain it for a period of 15 years. Thereafter it will be handed over to the local bodies. This will ensure that no waste water is dumped in the holy river. The payment of the operations and management of the projects and the worth of the cost will be provided to the agency over a period of 15 years ensuring that the project runs smoothly.


CIDCO - 25 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant, Khargar

Chennai Metropolitan WSSB - 40 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant, Nesapakkam

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board ( BWSSB) admits it treats only 843 MLD

Sewage Treatment Plant in Jaipur, India

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
30-August, 2017 16:54 IST
STPs to be constructed under Hybrid Annuity Model at Varanasi and Haridwar

In the first-of-its-kind success, the creation and maintenance of sewage treatment infrastructure under Hybrid Annuity based PPP model has taken off, with NMCG awarding work to private sector for construction and maintenance of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in two major cities in Ganga river basin - Varanasi and Haridwar. While the work to construct, operate and maintain a 50 MLD STP in Varanasi has been awarded to a consortium led by Indian infrastructure major - Essel Infra Projects Limited at an estimated cost of Rs 153.16 crore, HNB Engineers Private Ltd. has been awarded the work to develop, operate and maintain the total sewage treatment capacity of 82 MLD (68MLD in Jagjeetpur + 14MLD in Sarai) STPs in Haridwar at an estimated cost of Rs 171.53 crore. The awarded projects would ensure that no untreated sewage waste water goes into river Ganga.

Since the inception of Hybrid Annuity-PPP model, many national and international players have shown interest in NMCG projects. The consultative meetings and conferences with market players attracted large number of participants. More than 30 firms showed-up for pre-bid meetings of Varanasi and Haridwar projects. The selection of firms was based on lowest bid project cost for developing and operating the treatment infrastructure for a period of 15 years.

The Government of India had accorded Cabinet approval to Hybrid Annuity-PPP model in January 2016 with 100% central sector funding. Under this model, the development, operation and maintenance of the sewage treatment STPs will be undertaken by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to be created by the winning bidder at the local level. As per this model, 40% of the Capital cost quoted would be paid on completion of construction while the remaining 60% of the cost will be paid over the life of the project as annuities along with operation and maintenance cost (O&M) expenses.

One of the most important features of this model is that both the Annuity and O&M payments are linked to the performance of the STP. This will ensure continued performance of the assets created due to better accountability, ownership and optimal performance. Hybrid Annuity based PPP model has been adopted for the first time in the country in sewage management sector. Such a model has earlier been adopted successfully in highway sector only.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Water Resources
31-August, 2017 14:44 IST
Workshop on implementation of Emergency Action Plan for Dams held

With the purpose of increasing awareness about dam safety measures in the country and finalisation of Emergency Action Plan (EAP) a stakeholders consultation Workshop was organised by Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department in collaboration with Central Water Commission was held recently at Krishnagiri dam site, district Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. Over 150 delegates representing the stakeholders involved with relief and rescue operations and representatives from National Disaster Management Authority, State Disaster Management Authority, India Meteorological Department, State Health, Fire, Police, Revenue and Road Departments and Railways participated in the Workshop.

Shri NK Mathur, Member, Central Water Commission presided over the Workshop and highlighted the need for the preparation of EAP for each dam and involvement of all agencies in ensuring effective relief and rescue operations. The brief backgrounds of few of the national as well as international dam disasters were also discussed, along with step by step process for evolving a sound and bankable EAP document.

India ranks third globally with 5254 large dams in operation and 447 large dams under construction. About 4% of these large dams (209) are over 100 years old and about 17% (876 dams) are more than 50 years old. Many of these dams are facing varying degrees of inadequacies in meeting the current standards of dam health and safety due to various reasons. The ongoing Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) under the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation is facilitating the rehabilitation of about 198 large dam projects in seven States, in addition to the institutional strengthening of the implementing agencies for sustainable dam safety initiatives.

Even though our dams are quite safe, in the rare event of a dam failure, extensive damage to property, environment and sometimes loss of life occurs. Managing the exigencies caused by a failure of a dam requires coordinated efforts of all national and States agencies. The preparation of Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for all DRIP dams is one of the important activities under DRIP. This document defines clear roles for all concern agencies as well as Standard Operating Protocols during various stage of exigencies, as well as contains all technical details about the flood waves moving downstream affecting the downstream habitation.

Samir/jk
(Release ID :170394)