Geeta Gupta
New delhi : With most water resources running out for Delhi, the state government is banking on the Renuka Dam project to provide it an additional 270 million gallons of water a day by 2016 — when the project expected to be complete.
There is, however, a major hurdle in way of Delhi getting the additional water. The Implementation Agreement that was signed in 1994 by all basin states, except Rajasthan, has since become invalid due to legal issues.
That means Delhi’s hopes of augmenting its water supply from the Renuka project, which was conceptulised in 1994, have no legal basis.
Officials, however, said the Renuka Dam has been listed as a national project, and issues regarding the absence of a valid agreement would be sorted out within the next five years.
Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta and Delhi Jal Board chief Ramesh Negi, who were on their first visit to the project site in Himachal Pradesh earlier this month, have said they are satisfied by the progress so far.
“We hope work on the project will begins soon, as it will take another five years for it to take shape. Delhi has a strong case for its drinking water needs,” Negi said.
Calling the meeting with representatives of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), the implementing agency, as satisfactory, Mehta said: “The HPPCL has already spent Rs 50 crore of the Rs 215 crore given by the Delhi government on pre-construction activities. While the project has already been accorded environment clearance, forest clearance is awaited.”
About the absence of a legal agreement on water sharing between basin states, Mehta said those issues would be sorted out in the interim period, while the construction on the dam is started.
Newsline has learnt that Rajasthan, which refused to sign the agreement in 1994, wants a share in the project now, and it is also ready to share costs. Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, too, want to share the benefits of the project, as well as the costs.
“Rajasthan is interested in sharing power from the project. The Renuka Dam project would yield only 40 MW power, which the host state wants to keep. We in Delhi have surplus power, and are ready to give as much to Rajasthan,” a senior Delhi government official said.
There are, however, fears that Delhi’s water sharing dreams from the project would end up like the Munak Canal project.
While the construction of the concrete channel parallel to the Western Yamuna Canal from Munak in Haryana to Wazirabad in Delhi is in the final stages, Haryana is not ready to give the additional water, which will be available after the canal is operational, to Delhi. Incidentally, the Delhi government has borne the entire project cost of Rs 550 crore.
Parched, despite spending money
* Delhi expects the Renuka Dam to provide it 270 MGD. Has given the Himachal Pradesh government Rs 215 crore for the project.
* The state also invested Rs 550 crore in Munak Canal project, expecting Haryana to provide Delhi 80 MGD. Haryana has now said it will not give water to Delhi.
* With an eye on the additional water that Munak Canal would have supplied to Delhi, the state built a 20 MGD water treatment plant (WTP) at Okhla, a 20 MGD WTP at Bawana and a 50 MGD WTP at Dwarka. They are now lying unused.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Gujarat puts Narmada dam project on fast track (The Hindu- 23 May 2010)
Manas Dasgupta
Overhauls administrative machinery for expeditious implementation
The Gujarat government has put the Narmada dam project on the fast track overhauling its administrative machinery for an expeditious implementation.
For the first time, the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) has been allowed a free hand without any political interference. The project has been put into the hands of the bureaucrats for quick implementation.
Three senior IAS officers have been appointed simultaneously in the SSNNL with S. Jagadeeshan as its managing director and two more IAS officers, K. Srinivas and G. R. Aloria as joint managing directors, one looking after the administration and the other the funding issues, with another IAS officer, the retired Chief Secretary, R. Rajagopalan, heading the set-up as the chairman.
Even though nearly 60 per cent of the canal network is yet to be constructed, Chief Minister Narendra Modi told the SSNNL authorities that he wanted the project to be ready in the next three and half years, if possible around the time of the next Assembly elections due in December 2012. He has also told the Nigam that funds would be no constraint, if the machinery was ready to execute the works.
For the remaining works, including the final stage of the main dam construction, the State government has estimated a requirement of about Rs. 12,000 crore. With the Planning Commission giving its stamp of approval to the revised estimate of Rs. 39,240 crore for the project and sanctioning a Central grant of Rs. 7,000 crore for the canal networking in the drought-prone areas of the Kutch-Saurashtra region, the State government could now relatively breathe easy about the funding.
Overhauls administrative machinery for expeditious implementation
The Gujarat government has put the Narmada dam project on the fast track overhauling its administrative machinery for an expeditious implementation.
For the first time, the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) has been allowed a free hand without any political interference. The project has been put into the hands of the bureaucrats for quick implementation.
Three senior IAS officers have been appointed simultaneously in the SSNNL with S. Jagadeeshan as its managing director and two more IAS officers, K. Srinivas and G. R. Aloria as joint managing directors, one looking after the administration and the other the funding issues, with another IAS officer, the retired Chief Secretary, R. Rajagopalan, heading the set-up as the chairman.
Even though nearly 60 per cent of the canal network is yet to be constructed, Chief Minister Narendra Modi told the SSNNL authorities that he wanted the project to be ready in the next three and half years, if possible around the time of the next Assembly elections due in December 2012. He has also told the Nigam that funds would be no constraint, if the machinery was ready to execute the works.
For the remaining works, including the final stage of the main dam construction, the State government has estimated a requirement of about Rs. 12,000 crore. With the Planning Commission giving its stamp of approval to the revised estimate of Rs. 39,240 crore for the project and sanctioning a Central grant of Rs. 7,000 crore for the canal networking in the drought-prone areas of the Kutch-Saurashtra region, the State government could now relatively breathe easy about the funding.
UP, Haryana farmers clash; 16 hurt (The Hindu- 23 May 2010)
Muzaffarnagar: Tension prevailed on the Uttar Pradesh-Haryana border on Saturday following a clash between farmers of the two States in which 16 people were injured.
According to the police, trouble started at Khurgan village under the Kairana police station on Friday evening when farmers from UP working in their fields were attacked by Haryana villagers. The situation was brought under control after the police intervened.
DySP A. K. Shukla said senior officials of the two States would meet soon to resolve the boundary dispute Six districts of UP - Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, , Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshar and Aligarh- witness frequent clashes between farmers of the two States over the boundary dispute. - PTI
© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu
According to the police, trouble started at Khurgan village under the Kairana police station on Friday evening when farmers from UP working in their fields were attacked by Haryana villagers. The situation was brought under control after the police intervened.
DySP A. K. Shukla said senior officials of the two States would meet soon to resolve the boundary dispute Six districts of UP - Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, , Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshar and Aligarh- witness frequent clashes between farmers of the two States over the boundary dispute. - PTI
© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu
Indus Water talks today (The Hindu- 30 May 2010)
Gargi Parsai
The India- Pakistan Permanent Indus Water Commission will begin its four-day meeting here on Sunday under the shadow of Islamabad's threat to set up a court of arbitration on the Kishanganga project on Jhelum river in Jammu and Kashmir. The Commission was set up under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.
Having raised the pitch on water sharing issues with India in recent weeks, Pakistan is likely to raise objections to the Uri-II, the Chutak and the Nimoo Bazgo hydel projects in the Kashmir valley.
Pakistan alleges that the projects are a violation of the water treaty between the two countries that governs their rights on six common rivers.
“For every project Pakistan raises a technical objection with the aim to turn water into a political issue,'' a Ministry of External Affairs source said. India maintains there is no violation of the treaty.
The 240 MW Uri-II hydel project over Jhelum is in Baramullah, the 45 MW Nimoo Bazgo and the 44 MW Chutak hydel project are proposed for Laddakh.
While the Chutak project would be located on the river Suru, a tributary of the Indus in Kargil district, the Nimoo Bazgo project is proposed to be near Alchi village on the river Indus in Leh district.
Besides discussion on these projects, the Indus Commissioners will exchange flood data and exchange the annual reports. They will also talk about the future programmes and plan any visits that may be required to project sites on either side.
The India- Pakistan Permanent Indus Water Commission will begin its four-day meeting here on Sunday under the shadow of Islamabad's threat to set up a court of arbitration on the Kishanganga project on Jhelum river in Jammu and Kashmir. The Commission was set up under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.
Having raised the pitch on water sharing issues with India in recent weeks, Pakistan is likely to raise objections to the Uri-II, the Chutak and the Nimoo Bazgo hydel projects in the Kashmir valley.
Pakistan alleges that the projects are a violation of the water treaty between the two countries that governs their rights on six common rivers.
“For every project Pakistan raises a technical objection with the aim to turn water into a political issue,'' a Ministry of External Affairs source said. India maintains there is no violation of the treaty.
The 240 MW Uri-II hydel project over Jhelum is in Baramullah, the 45 MW Nimoo Bazgo and the 44 MW Chutak hydel project are proposed for Laddakh.
While the Chutak project would be located on the river Suru, a tributary of the Indus in Kargil district, the Nimoo Bazgo project is proposed to be near Alchi village on the river Indus in Leh district.
Besides discussion on these projects, the Indus Commissioners will exchange flood data and exchange the annual reports. They will also talk about the future programmes and plan any visits that may be required to project sites on either side.
Campaign to save Neela Hauz gathers momentum (The Hindu- 30 May 2010)
Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar
NEW DELHI: With the Neela Hauz flyover project in the Capital expected to become fully operational this June, the campaign to save the Neela Hauz pond on which it has come up has gathered momentum, all the more so because Delhi Development Authority which was to take up the restoration work has stated in response to an RTI application that it has no plans to do so.
The flyover is being constructed by the Public Works Department of the Delhi Government. It was taken up to facilitate movement of vehicles from Outer Ring Road in South Delhi to Vasant Kunj and M G Road.
During an inspection of the site this month, Public Works Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan had stated that once the project is complete the Neela Hauz pond would also be restored to its existing condition to preserve the environment of the entire area. He had also pointed out that the bio-diversity plan for pond is being developed by the Delhi Development Authority.
However, according to the Citizens' Group for Neela Hauz, comprising residents of Vasant Kunj, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Mehrauli and other parts of South-West Delhi who have come together to work for restoration of the largest natural water body in South Delhi, the PWD has deposited nearly Rs.3 crore with the Forest Department for restoration work and DDA is yet to prepare the restoration plan.
According to the group, which is also organising an awareness meet on the issue titled “Save the Hauz, Save our Water'' at School of Life Sciences Auditorium in JNU on Tuesday, the Hauz is important to the area from the historic, environmental and ecological perspective.
Spread over 2.5 hectares, it is an ancient natural lake situated in the Southern Ridge called Sanjay Van and is critical for maintaining the water table levels in this extremely dry and rocky part of the city. Besides, as per a group member, Nitya Jacob, legend has it that it was a major water source for the Rajput city of Qila Rai Pithora and also a halt on the trade route into Delhi.
According to the residents, it was in 2008 that as part of the preparations for the Commonwealth Games, the PWD started widening Aruna Asaf Ali Road that links Vasant Kunj to the Outer Ring Road. As part of the project, about a third of Neela Hauz was filled with debris to facilitate the building activity for the movement of machinery and materials. This choked the Hauz to a great extent and damaged its eco-system.
While the PWD has started removing some debris, the Citizens' Group insists that the lake's restoration has still not been taken up in any concrete manner.
PThe Citizens' Group has demanded that the Hauz be dredged, the other construction debris that contractors have dumped around the lake be removed and the pond be merged with Sanjay Van.
© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu
NEW DELHI: With the Neela Hauz flyover project in the Capital expected to become fully operational this June, the campaign to save the Neela Hauz pond on which it has come up has gathered momentum, all the more so because Delhi Development Authority which was to take up the restoration work has stated in response to an RTI application that it has no plans to do so.
The flyover is being constructed by the Public Works Department of the Delhi Government. It was taken up to facilitate movement of vehicles from Outer Ring Road in South Delhi to Vasant Kunj and M G Road.
During an inspection of the site this month, Public Works Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan had stated that once the project is complete the Neela Hauz pond would also be restored to its existing condition to preserve the environment of the entire area. He had also pointed out that the bio-diversity plan for pond is being developed by the Delhi Development Authority.
However, according to the Citizens' Group for Neela Hauz, comprising residents of Vasant Kunj, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Mehrauli and other parts of South-West Delhi who have come together to work for restoration of the largest natural water body in South Delhi, the PWD has deposited nearly Rs.3 crore with the Forest Department for restoration work and DDA is yet to prepare the restoration plan.
According to the group, which is also organising an awareness meet on the issue titled “Save the Hauz, Save our Water'' at School of Life Sciences Auditorium in JNU on Tuesday, the Hauz is important to the area from the historic, environmental and ecological perspective.
Spread over 2.5 hectares, it is an ancient natural lake situated in the Southern Ridge called Sanjay Van and is critical for maintaining the water table levels in this extremely dry and rocky part of the city. Besides, as per a group member, Nitya Jacob, legend has it that it was a major water source for the Rajput city of Qila Rai Pithora and also a halt on the trade route into Delhi.
According to the residents, it was in 2008 that as part of the preparations for the Commonwealth Games, the PWD started widening Aruna Asaf Ali Road that links Vasant Kunj to the Outer Ring Road. As part of the project, about a third of Neela Hauz was filled with debris to facilitate the building activity for the movement of machinery and materials. This choked the Hauz to a great extent and damaged its eco-system.
While the PWD has started removing some debris, the Citizens' Group insists that the lake's restoration has still not been taken up in any concrete manner.
PThe Citizens' Group has demanded that the Hauz be dredged, the other construction debris that contractors have dumped around the lake be removed and the pond be merged with Sanjay Van.
© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu
Centre not “mere bystander” in water disputes: Manmohan (The Hindu- 25 May 2010)
Gargi Parsai
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday rejected the contention that the Centre was a “mere spectator” in the water-sharing disputes that Tamil Nadu has with its neighbours.
Addressing a press conference here on the completion of one year of the UPA government's second term, Dr. Singh said: “Within the four corners of the law, every possible effort is being made, and will be made, to find amicable solution to water problems.”
While observing that water (availability) was going to become a major issue in the years to come, Dr. Singh said it was “not correct” to say that the Centre was a “mere bystander.”
“There are tribunals which have been appointed to go into the various aspects of disputes between various States about utilisation of water.”
© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday rejected the contention that the Centre was a “mere spectator” in the water-sharing disputes that Tamil Nadu has with its neighbours.
Addressing a press conference here on the completion of one year of the UPA government's second term, Dr. Singh said: “Within the four corners of the law, every possible effort is being made, and will be made, to find amicable solution to water problems.”
While observing that water (availability) was going to become a major issue in the years to come, Dr. Singh said it was “not correct” to say that the Centre was a “mere bystander.”
“There are tribunals which have been appointed to go into the various aspects of disputes between various States about utilisation of water.”
© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu
सूरज सुखा रहा यमुना का पाणी(Dainik Jagran-May 30,2010)
मथुरा।
यह लगातार बढ़ रहे तापमान का ही असर है कि यमुना में बह रहा नालों का पानी भी सूख रहा है, इससे आगरा की ओर जाने वाले पानी की मात्रा लगातार कम हो गयी है। यमुना का पानी तेरह दिन में करीब दो सौ क्यूसिक सूख चुका है।
आगरा जल संस्थान के काम आने वाला पानी मथुरा से ही जाता है। डेढ़ माह पहले तक गोकुल बैराज से 11 सौ क्यूसिक पानी का डिस्चार्ज नियमित रूप से हो रहा था, लेकिन पिछले पंद्रह दिन से पड़ रही भीषण गर्मी ने अब तक पचास फीसदी पानी सुखा दिया है।
यह सही है कि यमुना में नालों का पानी ही तैर रहा है। इतना पानी नालों की बदौलत ही भरा हुआ है। अन्यथा ओखला बैराज से 101 क्यूसिक पानी और हरनौल एस्केप से ढाई सौ क्यूसिक गंगाजल ही मिलता है। गंगाजल की मात्रा तो इससे भी कम हो सकती है। फिर भी कागजों में कुल साढ़े तीन सौ क्यूसिक पानी के अतिरिक्त जो मात्रा यमुना में बनी रहती है, वह उद्योगों व घरों का पानी ही है।
लेकिन पिछले तेरह दिन में यह पानी भी सूख रहा है। 47 डिग्री सेल्सियस के आसपास घूम रहे तापमान के बीच आगरा को डिस्चार्ज किए जाने वाले पानी में भारी कमी आ गयी है। इससे आगरा शहर में पेयजल संकट खड़ा हो सकता है।
बैराज से मिले आंकड़े बता रहे हैं कि 21 से 24 मई के बीच ही दो सौ क्यूसिक की कमी आ गयी है। 15 मई को बैराज से आगरा के लिए 867 क्यूसिक पानी जारी किया गया था और 21 मई तक इतनी मात्रा में ही पानी जा रहा था, पर 24 मई को कुल 694 क्यूसिक ही पानी डिस्चार्ज किया जा सका। बीते दिन 698 क्यूसिक पानी भेजा गया।
बताया गया है कि यमुना में पानी की कमी तो हो ही रही है, इस बीच बैराज पौंड के जलस्तर को भी मेंटेन करना है, इसलिए अतिरिक्त पानी ही हमेशा की तरह आगरा को डिस्चार्ज किया रहा है।
यमुना कार्ययोजना के याची गोपेश्वर नाथ चतुर्वेदी का कहना है कि यमुना में पानी की कमी से गंदगी सतह पर आ रही है और पानी में भारी बदबू व कीड़े तैर रहे हैं। गंगा दशहरा के स्नान के लिए जिला प्रशासन से अतिरिक्त पानी छुड़वाए जाने की मांग की गयी है।
ब्रज लाइफ लाइन वैलफेयर के संयोजक महेंद्र नाथ चतुर्वेदी का कहना है कि यमुना में पानी की वजह से बैराज लैब में क्लोरीन की ज्यादा मात्रा यूज की जा रही है। पहले की तुलना में पानी का स्वाद भी बदल गया है। ज्यादा केमिकल की मात्रा जल शोधन में प्रयोग होने से जन सामान्य का स्वास्थ्य खराब होने का खतरा बढ़ गया है
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