YEAR
END REVIEW-WATER RESOURCES
Following
are the salient features of the initiatives taken by the Union Ministry of
Water Resources during the year 2012:
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Draft
National Water Policy (2012) Released for Comments
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In pursuance of the
strategies identified in National Water Mission Document as well as
deliberations in National Water Board, Ministry of Water Resources had
initiated the process of reviewing the National Water Policy, 2002.
Accordingly, Drafting Committee on National Water Policy released the draft policy on January 2nd,
2012 after taking into consideration recommendations of various stake
holders.
Ist
Meeting of India-Nepal Joint Ministerial Commission on Water Resources held
The 1st
meeting of India-Nepal
Joint Ministerial Commission on Water held on 15th February 2012. It was jointly led by the then Union Minister of Water
Resources and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal,
Minister of Energy of Nepal Shri Posta Bahadur Bogati and
Minister of Irrigation of Nepal Shri Mahendra Prasad Yadav.
Union Minister of State for Water Resources and Minority Affairs Shri Vincent H. Pala, Minister of Water Resources
Department of Bihar Shri Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, senior officers of the Government of India,
State Governments of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and
West Bengal were present in the meeting.
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Survey
of Ground Water
Central Ground Water
Board (CGWB) under the Ministry of Water Resources has conducted 13
conjunctive use studies for optimal utilization of Ground Water in various
irrigation commands in the country. The details of conjunctive use
studies carried out by CGWB are as under:
1. Indira Gandhi Nahar Paryojna, Stage - I, Rajasthan 2. Sarda Sahayak Irrigation Project, U.P. 3. Tungabhadra Canal Command Area, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka 4. Ghataprabha Canal Command Area, Karnataka5. Hirakud Canal Command Area, Orissa6. Mahi- Kadana Canal Command Area, Gujarat7. Nagarjuna Sagar Project, Andhra Pradesh8. Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojna Stage - II, Rajasthan 9. Kosi Canal Command Area, Bihar10. Gandak Canal Command, Bihar11. Sriram Sagar Canal Command Area, Andhra Pradesh12. Western Yamuna Canal Command Area, Haryana 13. Rushikulia Canal Command Area, Orissa In pursuance of the strategies identified in National Water Mission Document as well as deliberations in National Water Board, Ministry of Water Resources had initiated the process of reviewing the National Water Policy, 2002. Accordingly, Drafting Committee on National Water Policy released the draft policy on January 2nd, 2012 after taking into consideration recommendations of various stake holders.
NPCC
Sets up A Turnover Target of Rs.1280 Crores in
2012-13
National Projects
Construction Corporation Ltd, a Public Sector Enterprise signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) for 2012-13 with the
Ministry of Water Resources on March 15, 2012. The MoU
was signed by Shri Dhruv Vijai Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Shri A.K. Jhamb, CMD, NPCC. It
has set an ambitious target of Rs.1280 crores as
turnover and other dynamic specific parameter for Excellence in Performance
during2012-13.
Inter
linking of Rivers
The examination
of Supreme Court Order of dated 27th February, 2012 directing the
Union of India and particularly Ministry of Water Resources to forthwith
constitute a committee to be called ‘ Special Committee for Inter-linking of
Rivers’ underway.
The Supreme Court
in the order mentioned that “time is a very material factor
in the effective execution of the Interlinking of Rivers project. As pointed
out in the Report by NCAER and by the Standing Committee, the delay has
adversely affected the financial benefits that could have accrued to the concerned
parties and the people at large and is in fact now putting a financial strain
on all concerned” The initial cost of the Inter Linking projects
assessed at prefeasibility stage was Rs.5.60 Lakh crore at 2002 Price Level. The Cost of individual project
including the cost of land required to be acquired for project can be
finalised only after completion of Detailed Project Report.
India
Water Week to be celebrated as Annual International Event
The Ministry of
Water Resources since this year has endeavoured to celebrate India Water Week
annually as an international event to focus on water issues. It would provide
a global platform for water related issues that will bring policy makers,
industry leaders, experts, professionals and practitioners together to
address the challenges, showcase technologies, discover opportunities,
recognizing the excellence of professionals/organizations and celebrate their
achievements. As a part of the event, besides the technical and special
sessions, there would also be an exhibition to focus on the various aspects
of the main theme.
Prime
Minister inaugurates India Water Week
Prime Minister Dr.
Manmohan Singh has underlined that the planning,
development and management of water resources has to keep pace with current
realities. He was inaugurating the India Water Week at Vigyan
Bhawan in New Delhi 0n April 10, 2012. Dr. Singh
said one of the problems in achieving better management of water is that the
current institutional and legal structures that deal with water in the
country are inadequate, fragmented and therefore need urgent reform.
109.77
Million Hectare Irrigation Potential Created
The vision for
Integrated Water Resources Development & Management, proposed by the
Ministry of Water Resources in 2003 inter-alia stipulates to add an
additional irrigation potential of 20 million ha. in
the next 15 years to meet the food and fibre
requirements for a projected population of 1200 million by 2015 and
1600 million by 2050, ensuring food security.
The Ministry is providing Central Assistance to State Governments for Creation/ Utilisation of irrigation potential, through the schemes viz. Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), Command Area Development & Water Management (CAD&WM) and Repairs, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies. Out of 139.89 million ha. of Ultimate irrigation potential, 109.77 million ha. have been created till 2010-11.
Agreement
with Nepal for Floods Control of Kosi River
The Government of
India maintains the flood protection works of Kosi
Barrage in Nepal through the State Government of Bihar. During the 1st
meeting of India- Nepal Joint Ministerial Commission on Water Resources
(JMCWR), JMCWR recommended that the maintenance of 15 Km length of eastern Kosi embankment presently being maintained by the
Government of Nepal, may also be taken up by the Government of India. In
addition, SaptaKosi High Dam Multipurpose Project
on river Kosi in Nepal, is
planned, which on implementation will also mitigate floods due to Kosi river.
Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Sapta Kosi High Dam Multipurpose Project is scheduled to be completed by February, 2013. . |
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Mapping
of Groundwater
Central Ground Water Board under the Ministry
of Water Resources has taken up pilot projects on aquifer mapping during the
Twelfth Plan, which will lead to more accurate assessment of ground water
resources, defining aquifer geometry and potential including water quality.
Aquifer mapping will provide better insight for ground water management.
However, it has not been linked to water pricing by the primary or any category
of water user/ stakeholders.
Pilot projects on aquifer mapping have been taken up in parts of five States namely Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Based on the outcome of these projects, successful techniques will be replicated in other areas of the country.
Pilot projects on aquifer mapping have been taken up in parts of five States namely Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Based on the outcome of these projects, successful techniques will be replicated in other areas of the country.
Contract
Signed for Micro Level Aquifer Mapping
Central Ground Water
Board under Ministry of Water Resources signed a contract with Council of
Scientific Industrial Research – National Geophysical Research Institute
(CSIR-NGRI) to implement the pilot project on “Aquifer characterization using
advanced geophysical techniques in representative hydrogeological
terrains of India”on May 21, 2012. The contract was
signed in the presence of Minister of Water Resources and Parliamentary
Affairs, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal. Also present on the occasion were Minister of State
for Water Resources and Minority Affairs, Shri
Vincent H. Pala, Secretary, Water Resources Shri Dhruv Vijai Singh and Director
General, CSIR, Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari.
Conference
of State Secretaries Decides to Proritise Water
Conservation Activities and Increase Water use Efficiency During
12th Plan Period
A one-day Conference of the
Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of the Departments of Irrigation, Water
Resources and Command Area Development of the States/Union Territories was held
in New Delhi today which deliberated on issues concerning development and
management of water resources. In this one-day Conference, the States
Secretaries were apprised of the various Central Government Schemes on
development of water resources including the newly launched National Water
Mission (NWM) and the capacity building scheme. Under the NWM the States were
requested to prepare State Specific Action Plans and set up State Water Mission
Cells. The State Secretaries also appreciated the Central Scheme on Human
Resource Development and capacity building in water sector.
Modification
in the Guidelines of the scheme of National Projects
The Cabinet Committee on
Infrastructure approved the inclusion of Extension, Renovation &
Modernization (ERM) projects envisaging restoration of lost potential of 2 lakh ha. or more under the
category of National Projects in its meeting on August 03,2012. Under the
scheme of National Projects, such projects would become eligible for 90%
funding of the cost of works of the irrigation and drinking water components of
the project from the Central Government.
Inclusion
of Saryu Nahar Pariyojana of Uttar Pradesh in the scheme of National
Projects
The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure
today approved the inclusion of "Sarayu Nahar Pariyojana" of Uttar
Pradesh in the scheme of National projects. Under the scheme of National
Projects, this project would become eligible for 90% funding from the Central
Government.
Modification
in National Water Policy
The Draft National Water Policy
(2012) inter-alia recommends that for the pre-emptive and high priority uses of
water for sustaining life and ecosystem for ensuring food security and
supporting livelihood for the poor, the principle of differential pricing may
have to be retained. Over and above these uses, water should increasingly be
subjected to allocation and pricing on economicprinciples.
The Draft National Water Policy (2012) recommends that there is a need for comprehensive legislation for optimum development of inter-State rivers and river valleys to facilitate inter-State coordination ensuring scientific planning of land and water resources taking basin/sub-basin as unit with unified perspectives of water in all its forms (including precipitation, soil moisture, ground and surface water) and ensuring holistic and balanced development of both the catchment and the command areas.
The Draft National Water Policy (2012) recommends that there is a need for comprehensive legislation for optimum development of inter-State rivers and river valleys to facilitate inter-State coordination ensuring scientific planning of land and water resources taking basin/sub-basin as unit with unified perspectives of water in all its forms (including precipitation, soil moisture, ground and surface water) and ensuring holistic and balanced development of both the catchment and the command areas.
Water Resource
Management
Keeping in view the possibility of delay in the onset of monsoon and also uneven spatial distribution which may result in some areas getting less than normal rainfall, the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India issued an advisory on 9th July 2012 to the States/ Union Territories requesting them inter-alia to make judicious use of available water in the reservoirs and to use ground water to meet the situation to the extent necessary.
It is within the competence of State Governments to fix appropriate charges for water sourced from the ground by bottled water / beverage companies.
Water being a State subject, the State Governments have the competence to consider hiking the water tariff for irrigation and urban water supply systems.
Terms
of Reference to Study in Bangladesh the Impact of Tipaimukh
Hydroelectric Project Finalised
In pursuance to the decision taken at the first meeting of the
India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission (JCC), held in New Delhi, on May
07, 2012, the first meeting of the Sub-Group on Tipaimukh
Hydroelectric Project under the India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission was
held in New Delhi on August 27-28, 2012.
Both sides finalized the Terms of Reference under which study in Bangladesh territory to assess the impact of Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Project would be conducted. During the meeting, India restated its offer to Bangladesh to take a stake in the Tipaimukh project and in this context handed over the Detailed Project Report to the Bangladesh delegation. India also reiterated the assurance, given at the highest level, that it would not take steps on the Tipaimukh project that would adversely impact on Bangladesh.
Both sides finalized the Terms of Reference under which study in Bangladesh territory to assess the impact of Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Project would be conducted. During the meeting, India restated its offer to Bangladesh to take a stake in the Tipaimukh project and in this context handed over the Detailed Project Report to the Bangladesh delegation. India also reiterated the assurance, given at the highest level, that it would not take steps on the Tipaimukh project that would adversely impact on Bangladesh.
Ruling
on Cauvery Waters After C R A Meeting
The 7th meeting of
the Cauvery River Authority was held today under the Chairmanship of the Prime
Minister. Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Puducherry
were among the attendees. Kerala was represented by the Minister of Water
Resources.
In the meeting, the States raised the problems being faced by them because of less than expected rainfall and the consequent distress being caused to the farmers in the Cauvery basin.
After discussion, and based on the principle that distress needs to be shared among the basin States, the Prime Minister ruled that it was appropriate that Karnataka releases 9,000 cusecs of water daily from 20th September to 15th October 2012. It has been releasing 10,000 cusecs daily from 12th Sept on the directions of the Supreme Court.
In the meeting, the States raised the problems being faced by them because of less than expected rainfall and the consequent distress being caused to the farmers in the Cauvery basin.
After discussion, and based on the principle that distress needs to be shared among the basin States, the Prime Minister ruled that it was appropriate that Karnataka releases 9,000 cusecs of water daily from 20th September to 15th October 2012. It has been releasing 10,000 cusecs daily from 12th Sept on the directions of the Supreme Court.
Minister
for Water Resources Releases Atlas on Aquifer systems of India
Minister of Water
Resources and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal released Atlas
for six states viz Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,
Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Meghalaya in New Delhi on September 28,
2012. Central Ground Water Board has generated enormous data on various aspects
of ground water since its inception; the same has been compiled and integrated
to bring out the publication in the form of atlas entitled “Aquifer
systems of India.”
Transfer of 200 square
meters of Farakka Barrage Project Land at Farakka in West Bengal to Government of West Bengal and
subsequent handing over to Government of Jharkhand
The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal for transfer of 200 square metres of Farakka Barrage Project (FBP) land at Farakka (West Bengal) to the Government of West Bengal, and subsequent handing over to Government of Jharkhand, for construction of Sump House and residential facility at Pakur town to be constructed by the Nagar Panchayat, Pakur.
This would facilitate taking 13.65 MLD (5.58 cusec) water from Farakka Barrage Canal for drinking water supply to Pakur town of Jharkhand, which is located near the border of West Bengal and is facing acute water crisis.
The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal for transfer of 200 square metres of Farakka Barrage Project (FBP) land at Farakka (West Bengal) to the Government of West Bengal, and subsequent handing over to Government of Jharkhand, for construction of Sump House and residential facility at Pakur town to be constructed by the Nagar Panchayat, Pakur.
This would facilitate taking 13.65 MLD (5.58 cusec) water from Farakka Barrage Canal for drinking water supply to Pakur town of Jharkhand, which is located near the border of West Bengal and is facing acute water crisis.
Shri Harish Rawat
takes Charge as Union Minister of Water Resources
Shri
Harish Rawat took over as Union Minister of Water
Resources on 30 October 2012. On his arrival at the office of the Ministry of
Water Resources in Shram Shakti
Bhavan in New Delhi, Shri Rawat was received by Secretary, Water Resources, Shri D.V. Singh and other senior officers of the Ministry. Shri Singh briefed the Minister about the functioning and
priorities of the Ministry.
Later talking to Media persons, Shri Rawat said that his priority will be to increase availability of water and promote its conservation. Emphasizing that the water bodies in the States have to be preserved in active coordination with the States, he said the Ministry of Water Resources has formulated certain national projects which will be implemented on priority basis with 90% Central assistance.
Later talking to Media persons, Shri Rawat said that his priority will be to increase availability of water and promote its conservation. Emphasizing that the water bodies in the States have to be preserved in active coordination with the States, he said the Ministry of Water Resources has formulated certain national projects which will be implemented on priority basis with 90% Central assistance.
Bangla Desh
Minister of Agriculture Begum Matia Chowdhury calls on Union Minister of Water Resources Shri Harish Rawat Matters of
Common Interest Including Sharing of Waters of Teesta
and Other Common Rivers Discussed
The Bangladesh Minister of Agriculture, Begum Matia Chowdhury today called on the Union Minister of Water Resources, Shri Harish Rawat here in New Delhi. During the meeting, discussions were held on matters of common interest including sharing of waters of Teesta and other common rivers, irrigation projects in Bangladesh, Tipaimukh Hydro-Electric Project, dredging of rivers and other issues of cooperation.
Water
Resources Ministry to Notify the Final Award of CWDT this Month
The Ministry of Water Resources will notify the final Award of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal (CWDT) this month. This was decided during the 31st meeting of the Cauvery Monitoring Committee (CMC) held under the chairmanship of Water Resources Secretary Shri Dhruv Vijay Singh here in New Delhi on December 07,2012. After it, institutions like Cauvery Monitoring Committee (CMC) and Cauvery River Authority (CRA) will not be required..The meeting was convened after a Supreme Court direction to call a meeting of the Cauvery Monitoring Committee (CMC) in a hearing on 5th of this month to determine the requirement of water for the standing crops in the States of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and take a decision on that very day.
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ST/-
(Release ID :91129)
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