Bharatmala/ Sagarmala and Inland Waterways Infrastructure Projects
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After 8 years! India's 1st dolphin research centre to come up in Patna
According to Gopal Sharma, a senior scientist at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), the population of the endangered Gangetic river dolphins was stable along nearly 1,000 km stretch of the Ganga and its two major tributaries, Gandak and Ghaghra.
By Indo-Asian News Service
Patna, July 12, 2019, UPDATED: July 12, 2019, 10:38 IST
Image for representative purpose. (Twitter/incredibleindia)
HIGHLIGHTS
DK Shukla, the senior officer from Bihar's Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said: "It was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi in state Assembly that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar would lay the foundation stone of the National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) on October 5 on the bank of river Ganga in the premises of Patna University."
Shukla said the development was a good news for conservation of the endangered Gangetic river dolphins in the country.
According to Gopal Sharma, a senior scientist at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), the population of the endangered Gangetic river dolphins was stable along nearly 1,000 km stretch of the Ganga and its two major tributaries, Gandak and Ghaghra.
More than 1,500 dolphins were spotted by three teams of experts and scientists who undertook the exercise of enumeration of the species earlier this year. The NDRC will play an important role to strengthen conservation efforts and help in research to save the endangered mammal.
Another officer of the Department SAID the NDRC remained stuck for over four years due to refusal of Patna University to part with its land for it.
Unhappy over the delay, Nitish Kumar threatened last year that the NDRC might be shifted to Bhagalpur. After this, the varsity finally gave its clearance.
A well reputed expert on the Gangetic river dolphins, RK Sinha, who is also the current Vice Chancellor of the Nalanda Open University in Patna said the NDRC will prove a boon for research and conservation of dolphin.
It was Sinha's idea to set up the NDRC in Patna and a proposal was approved by then Planning Commission Chairman Montek Singh Ahulwalia during his visit here in mid 2011 and early 2012.
Within a year, the commission had sanctioned Rs 28.06 crore for the NDRC in 2013 followed by the state government that also released Rs 18,16 crore to the Infrastructure Development Authority in 2014. But till July 2018, the NDRC remained a non-starter.
Sinha, known as the 'Dolphin Man' for his research of the Gangetic dolphins, said the species habitat has been threatened and disturbed in the river.
He said the Gangetic river dolphin is India's national aquatic animal but frequently falls prey to poachers and sometimes killed without intention after being trapped in fishs net and hit by machines.
The mammals are killed at an alarming rate with wildlife officials saying poachers kill them for their flesh, fat and oil.
Sinha, who was conferred the Padma Shri for his research on dolphin, said dolphin presence is the sign of a healthy river ecosystem. Dolphins prefer water that is at least 5ft to 8ft deep. They are usually found in turbulent waters, where there are enough fish for them to feed on.
Gangetic dolphins live in a zone where there is little or no current, which helps them save energy. If they sense danger, they can dive into deeper waters. The dolphins swim from the no-current zone to the edges to hunt for fish and return, Sinha added.
Gangetic river dolphins fall under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, and have been declared an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
After 8 years! India's 1st dolphin research centre to come up in Patna
According to Gopal Sharma, a senior scientist at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), the population of the endangered Gangetic river dolphins was stable along nearly 1,000 km stretch of the Ganga and its two major tributaries, Gandak and Ghaghra.
By Indo-Asian News Service
Patna, July 12, 2019, UPDATED: July 12, 2019, 10:38 IST
Image for representative purpose. (Twitter/incredibleindia)
HIGHLIGHTS
- The foundation stone of the centre will be laid on October 5
- The NDRC will play an important role to strengthen conservation efforts
- Gangetic river dolphins have been declared an endangered species by IUCN
DK Shukla, the senior officer from Bihar's Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said: "It was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi in state Assembly that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar would lay the foundation stone of the National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) on October 5 on the bank of river Ganga in the premises of Patna University."
Shukla said the development was a good news for conservation of the endangered Gangetic river dolphins in the country.
According to Gopal Sharma, a senior scientist at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), the population of the endangered Gangetic river dolphins was stable along nearly 1,000 km stretch of the Ganga and its two major tributaries, Gandak and Ghaghra.
More than 1,500 dolphins were spotted by three teams of experts and scientists who undertook the exercise of enumeration of the species earlier this year. The NDRC will play an important role to strengthen conservation efforts and help in research to save the endangered mammal.
Another officer of the Department SAID the NDRC remained stuck for over four years due to refusal of Patna University to part with its land for it.
Unhappy over the delay, Nitish Kumar threatened last year that the NDRC might be shifted to Bhagalpur. After this, the varsity finally gave its clearance.
A well reputed expert on the Gangetic river dolphins, RK Sinha, who is also the current Vice Chancellor of the Nalanda Open University in Patna said the NDRC will prove a boon for research and conservation of dolphin.
It was Sinha's idea to set up the NDRC in Patna and a proposal was approved by then Planning Commission Chairman Montek Singh Ahulwalia during his visit here in mid 2011 and early 2012.
Within a year, the commission had sanctioned Rs 28.06 crore for the NDRC in 2013 followed by the state government that also released Rs 18,16 crore to the Infrastructure Development Authority in 2014. But till July 2018, the NDRC remained a non-starter.
Sinha, known as the 'Dolphin Man' for his research of the Gangetic dolphins, said the species habitat has been threatened and disturbed in the river.
He said the Gangetic river dolphin is India's national aquatic animal but frequently falls prey to poachers and sometimes killed without intention after being trapped in fishs net and hit by machines.
The mammals are killed at an alarming rate with wildlife officials saying poachers kill them for their flesh, fat and oil.
Sinha, who was conferred the Padma Shri for his research on dolphin, said dolphin presence is the sign of a healthy river ecosystem. Dolphins prefer water that is at least 5ft to 8ft deep. They are usually found in turbulent waters, where there are enough fish for them to feed on.
Gangetic dolphins live in a zone where there is little or no current, which helps them save energy. If they sense danger, they can dive into deeper waters. The dolphins swim from the no-current zone to the edges to hunt for fish and return, Sinha added.
Gangetic river dolphins fall under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, and have been declared an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
After 8 years! India's 1st dolphin research centre to come up in Patna
Seaplane services to begin soon in Tehri Lake
Initially, 12 to 20 seater seaplanes will start operating in Tehri Lake which can fly passengers between Tehri and Dehradun with an approximate cost of Rs 5,000 per passenger.
By Indo-Asian News Service
Dehradun, July 3, 2019, UPDATED: July 3, 2019 23:31 IST
Starting seaplane services in Tehri Lake will give boost to tourism in Tehri district: Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat | File photo from IANS
HIGHLIGHTS
Efforts are being made to start the service from 2020.
Initially, 12 to 20 seater seaplanes will start operating in Tehri Lake which can fly passengers between Tehri and Dehradun with an approximate cost of Rs 5,000 per passenger, top officials said.
Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said the entire investment in the seaplane project would be borne by the central government.
"This is a historic occasion. Starting seaplane services in Tehri Lake will also give a boost to tourism in Tehri district," Trivendra Singh Rawat said.
After the agreement was signed, state Civil Aviation Secretary Dilip Jawalkar said a waterdrome would also be set up near the Tehri Lake which is a huge reservoir of the mega 2400 MW Tehri hydel project. For this, the state government has identified 2.5 hectares of land.
Officials said the state government has already reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on seaplane fuel from 20 per cent to one per cent.
Union Civil Aviation Joint Secretary Usha Padhee described the MoU as an important step and said it was for the first time that an agreement to develop a waterdrome was signed by the Centre.
Top officials of the state Civil Aviation Department would soon travel abroad to see how seaplanes are operated there and talk with companies which are operating them.
Seaplane services to begin soon in Tehri Lake
Initially, 12 to 20 seater seaplanes will start operating in Tehri Lake which can fly passengers between Tehri and Dehradun with an approximate cost of Rs 5,000 per passenger.
By Indo-Asian News Service
Dehradun, July 3, 2019, UPDATED: July 3, 2019 23:31 IST
Starting seaplane services in Tehri Lake will give boost to tourism in Tehri district: Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat | File photo from IANS
HIGHLIGHTS
- Seaplanes will start operating in Tehri Lake which can fly passengers between Tehri and Dehradun
- Efforts are being made to start the service from 2020
- State Civil Aviation Secretary said a waterdrome would also be set up near the Tehri Lake
Efforts are being made to start the service from 2020.
Initially, 12 to 20 seater seaplanes will start operating in Tehri Lake which can fly passengers between Tehri and Dehradun with an approximate cost of Rs 5,000 per passenger, top officials said.
Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said the entire investment in the seaplane project would be borne by the central government.
"This is a historic occasion. Starting seaplane services in Tehri Lake will also give a boost to tourism in Tehri district," Trivendra Singh Rawat said.
After the agreement was signed, state Civil Aviation Secretary Dilip Jawalkar said a waterdrome would also be set up near the Tehri Lake which is a huge reservoir of the mega 2400 MW Tehri hydel project. For this, the state government has identified 2.5 hectares of land.
Officials said the state government has already reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on seaplane fuel from 20 per cent to one per cent.
Union Civil Aviation Joint Secretary Usha Padhee described the MoU as an important step and said it was for the first time that an agreement to develop a waterdrome was signed by the Centre.
Top officials of the state Civil Aviation Department would soon travel abroad to see how seaplanes are operated there and talk with companies which are operating them.
Seaplane services to begin soon in Tehri Lake
India is getting its first water aerodromes, seaplanes might soon be a reality
Water aerodromes are coming up in India! Chilika Lake and Sabarmati River might soon cater to seaplanes.
By India Today Web Desk
New Delhi, August 12, 2018, UPDATED: August 12, 2018 17:27 IST
(Representational image)
India is getting water aerodromes and the very first ones in the country are slated to come up in Chilika Lake in Odisha, Sardar Sarovar Dam and Sabarmati River Front in Gujarat.
An official informed today that the Civil Aviation Ministry has given the go-ahead to the proposal for setting up water aerodromes. Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu cleared the proposal yesterday.
What is a water aerodrome?
An area of open water that can be used by seaplanes or amphibious planes for landing and takeoff is called a water aerodrome. They might have connected terminal building on land where the plane can choose to dock like a ship.
(Representational image)
Why is India getting water aerodromes?
In June this year, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued regulations prescribing procedures and requirement for licensing water aerodromes.
This will enhance air connectivity in the country by allowing amphibian planes -- which can operate in both land and water -- to be developed in the country.
Because there is no historical record and there hasn't been any such demand from airlines, this will be a pilot project, informed the ministry official.
Sites where water aerodromes will be developed
"In the first phase, Chilika Lake in Odisha, Sardar Sarovar Dam and Sabarmati River Front in Gujarat have been identified for development of water aerodromes," the official said.
Sites in Odisha, Gujarat, Assam, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have been identified by the Airports Authority of India. Water aerodromes would be set up near tourist spots and locations of religious importance as per the proposal.
Procedure to get an aerodrome license
As per aviation regulations, an aerodrome cannot be used for scheduled air transport services, among others, unless there is a licence.
The formal application for setting up a water aerodrome has to be submitted at least 90 days before the date of intended operations. It would be valid for two years.
(Representational image)
Seaplane operation on the cards?
Earlier, Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said that his ministry was also considering a proposal to look at seaplane operation under phase III of the regional connectivity scheme UDAN.
The airline had signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan's Setouchi Holdings to explore whether the amphibian planes can be used by the airline in a cost-effective manner.
India is getting its first water aerodromes, seaplanes might soon be a reality
Water aerodromes are coming up in India! Chilika Lake and Sabarmati River might soon cater to seaplanes.
By India Today Web Desk
New Delhi, August 12, 2018, UPDATED: August 12, 2018 17:27 IST
(Representational image)
India is getting water aerodromes and the very first ones in the country are slated to come up in Chilika Lake in Odisha, Sardar Sarovar Dam and Sabarmati River Front in Gujarat.
An official informed today that the Civil Aviation Ministry has given the go-ahead to the proposal for setting up water aerodromes. Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu cleared the proposal yesterday.
What is a water aerodrome?
An area of open water that can be used by seaplanes or amphibious planes for landing and takeoff is called a water aerodrome. They might have connected terminal building on land where the plane can choose to dock like a ship.
(Representational image)
Why is India getting water aerodromes?
In June this year, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued regulations prescribing procedures and requirement for licensing water aerodromes.
This will enhance air connectivity in the country by allowing amphibian planes -- which can operate in both land and water -- to be developed in the country.
Because there is no historical record and there hasn't been any such demand from airlines, this will be a pilot project, informed the ministry official.
Sites where water aerodromes will be developed
"In the first phase, Chilika Lake in Odisha, Sardar Sarovar Dam and Sabarmati River Front in Gujarat have been identified for development of water aerodromes," the official said.
Sites in Odisha, Gujarat, Assam, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have been identified by the Airports Authority of India. Water aerodromes would be set up near tourist spots and locations of religious importance as per the proposal.
Procedure to get an aerodrome license
As per aviation regulations, an aerodrome cannot be used for scheduled air transport services, among others, unless there is a licence.
According to the DGCA, an entity seeking to set up a water aerodrome has to take approvals from various authorities, including the ministries of defence, home, environment and forests, and shipping.
"Initially, a provisional licence shall be issued for a period of six months during which implementation of the water aerodrome operation is monitored...Regular licence shall be accorded after post-implementation monitoring period and completion of corrective action," the DGCA said.The formal application for setting up a water aerodrome has to be submitted at least 90 days before the date of intended operations. It would be valid for two years.
(Representational image)
Seaplane operation on the cards?
Earlier, Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said that his ministry was also considering a proposal to look at seaplane operation under phase III of the regional connectivity scheme UDAN.
Generally, seaplanes are described as fixed-wing aircraft that is designed for taking off and landing on water.
In October last year, no-frills carrier SpiceJet had unveiled plans to buy over 100 amphibian planes, estimated to cost USD 400 million.The airline had signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan's Setouchi Holdings to explore whether the amphibian planes can be used by the airline in a cost-effective manner.
It has already approached the Odisha government evincing interest to operate amphibian planes from the Chilika Lake.
(With inputs from PTI)India is getting its first water aerodromes, seaplanes might soon be a reality
Rameswaram: Scherzer's span in 105-year-old Pamban Rail Bridge opens for passage of ships
The Indian Railways lifted Scherzer's span in the 105-year-old Pamban Rail Bridge to enable ships to pass.
By India Today Web Desk
New Delhi, June 28, 2019UPDATED: June 28, 2019 17:12 IST
The Pamban Rail Bridge connects Rameswaram to mainland India | Photo from ANI
HIGHLIGHTS
The Pamban Rail Bridge is 105 years old.
Rail traffic on the Pamban Rail Bridge remained suspended for 85 days after engineers found cracks in some members of the Scherzer's span.
After completing the retrofit works, the Railways had opened the bridge for passenger traffic in February this year. The authorities took several precautionary measures before the bridge was opened, according to a The Hindu report.
The Pamban Rail Bridge on Friday made headlines after Railway authorities lifted Scherzer's span in Pamban Rail Bridge to enable ships to pass.
The Southern Railway has directed the Pamban port authorities to open the Scherzer's span for navigation of vessels only once in a month, The Hindu report mentioned.
According to the Railways, the old span could no longer be opened once a week for navigation of vessels in the Pamban Channel. A barge and cargo vessel, earlier this year, had to wait for three-four days to cross the span but that did not happen. The boats returned to take indirect route around Sri Lanka to reach their destinations.
The Hindu report mentioned that the span was last opened in March, 2019, and has remained closed since then.
The Pamban Rail Bridge connects Rameswaram to mainland India.
COUNTRY'S FIRST VERTICAL-LIFT BRIDGE TO BE BUILT SOON
Replacing the 104-year-old Pamban bridge connecting Rameswaram to mainland India, the Railways plans to build the country's first vertical-lift bridge that will make way for ships and steamers to pass through.
The more than two-kilometre-long bridge, which is likely to cost Rs 250 crore, will have a 63-metre stretch which will lift up while remaining parallel to the deck to allow access to the ships, the official said.
It will be ready in the next four years, and along with the new railway link between Rameswaram in Pamban Island and Dhanuskodi, which is considered the starting point of Ram Setu, will help ferry thousands of pilgrims from the Hindu religious site to the mainland.
The bridge was approved for construction by the Railways in December, 2018.
Railways minister Piyush Goyal, in 2018, had tweeted a video. He wrote, "Ever seen a moving bridge?"
The new bridge will have 100 spans of 18.3 metres and one navigational span of 63 metres.
It will be three metres higher than the existing bridge with navigational air clearance of 22 metres above sea level. Because of the vertical lift, full horizontal width of 63 metres will be available for navigation.
The substructure of the bridge will be built for double line and the navigational span will also have provision for double line.
The entire bridge including navigational span will be designed keeping in mind the Railway's plan of electrification.
Rameswaram: Scherzer's span in 105-year-old Pamban Rail Bridge opens for passage of ships
The Indian Railways lifted Scherzer's span in the 105-year-old Pamban Rail Bridge to enable ships to pass.
By India Today Web Desk
New Delhi, June 28, 2019UPDATED: June 28, 2019 17:12 IST
The Pamban Rail Bridge connects Rameswaram to mainland India | Photo from ANI
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Pamban Rail Bridge is 105 years old
- Railways authorities lifted Scherzer's span in Pamban Rail Bridge
- The bridge was lifted to enable ships to pass
The Pamban Rail Bridge is 105 years old.
Rail traffic on the Pamban Rail Bridge remained suspended for 85 days after engineers found cracks in some members of the Scherzer's span.
After completing the retrofit works, the Railways had opened the bridge for passenger traffic in February this year. The authorities took several precautionary measures before the bridge was opened, according to a The Hindu report.
The Pamban Rail Bridge on Friday made headlines after Railway authorities lifted Scherzer's span in Pamban Rail Bridge to enable ships to pass.
The Southern Railway has directed the Pamban port authorities to open the Scherzer's span for navigation of vessels only once in a month, The Hindu report mentioned.
According to the Railways, the old span could no longer be opened once a week for navigation of vessels in the Pamban Channel. A barge and cargo vessel, earlier this year, had to wait for three-four days to cross the span but that did not happen. The boats returned to take indirect route around Sri Lanka to reach their destinations.
The Hindu report mentioned that the span was last opened in March, 2019, and has remained closed since then.
The Pamban Rail Bridge connects Rameswaram to mainland India.
COUNTRY'S FIRST VERTICAL-LIFT BRIDGE TO BE BUILT SOON
Replacing the 104-year-old Pamban bridge connecting Rameswaram to mainland India, the Railways plans to build the country's first vertical-lift bridge that will make way for ships and steamers to pass through.
The more than two-kilometre-long bridge, which is likely to cost Rs 250 crore, will have a 63-metre stretch which will lift up while remaining parallel to the deck to allow access to the ships, the official said.
It will be ready in the next four years, and along with the new railway link between Rameswaram in Pamban Island and Dhanuskodi, which is considered the starting point of Ram Setu, will help ferry thousands of pilgrims from the Hindu religious site to the mainland.
The bridge was approved for construction by the Railways in December, 2018.
Railways minister Piyush Goyal, in 2018, had tweeted a video. He wrote, "Ever seen a moving bridge?"
The new bridge will have 100 spans of 18.3 metres and one navigational span of 63 metres.
It will be three metres higher than the existing bridge with navigational air clearance of 22 metres above sea level. Because of the vertical lift, full horizontal width of 63 metres will be available for navigation.
The substructure of the bridge will be built for double line and the navigational span will also have provision for double line.
The entire bridge including navigational span will be designed keeping in mind the Railway's plan of electrification.
Rameswaram: Scherzer's span in 105-year-old Pamban Rail Bridge opens for passage of ships
Lok Sabha passes Dam Safety Bill
A bill seeking to set up an institutional mechanism for surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of specified dams across the country was passed by Lok Sabha on Friday with the centre asserting it has no intention of taking over power of the states.
The provisions of the bill is proposed to be applied to all specified dams in the country which have height of more than 15 metres, or between 10 metres to 15 metres.
Responding to the debate on the Dam Safety Bill, 2019, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the centre has no intention of taking over the powers of state through the draft law.
Water is a state subject.
Shekhawat said that in 2016, states were consulted on the bill and most agreed that it is better than the 2010 draft.
The Minister asserted that through the proposed law the centre does not want to take control of the dams, water or power generated by it.
He also made it clear that there will be no interference on part of the centre or the Central Water Commission officials.
The centre has formulated emergency action plan for 180 dams.
Referring to Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh, he said as the state government has cancelled the tender, the cost of the project is likely to go up over the years.
He said Parliament has the legislative competence to draft laws which relate to public security and safety.
The bill envisages a two-tier structure at national as well state level to ensure safety of dams in the country, said Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat while moving the bill.
Observing that safety of dam is extremely important as it concerns lives of people, property and flora and fauna, the Minister said "there is a need to have a common protocol for safety of dams in the country."
There are 5,745 reservoirs in the country of which 293 are more than 100 years old. The age of 25 per cent of dams is between 50 to 100 years and 80 per cent are over 25 years old, he said.
Among other things, the bill also seeks to resolve the inter-state issues concerning maintenance and safety of dams, he said, adding as many as 92 per cent of dams in the country are on inter-state river basins.
He further said that 40 dams have collapsed in India since Independence and worst such disaster occurred in Gujarat in 1979 leading to loss of thousands of lives of people.
The dam collapse always becomes an international issue, he said, adding it would be a matter of national shame if it is found the collapse was on account of poor maintenance.
The present bill is based on the earlier draft bill which could not be pushed in the previous Lok Sabha, he said. It includes various suggestions of the Standing Committee which had scrutinised the earlier bill.
The bill, he added, envisages constitution of a National Committee on Dam Safety headed by the Chairman, Central Water Commission.
While supporting the bill, Tajasvi Surya (BJP), however, said the legislation does not fix accountability if there is failure of aparticular dam.
G S Damor (BJP) said that India should build big dams taking into consideration demand for large quantity of water.
The panel will formulate policies and regulations regarding dam safety standards and prevention of dam failures, and analyse causes of major dam failures and suggest changes in dam safety practices.
The legislation also envisages setting up of a National Dam Safety Authority to be headed by an officer not below the rank of an Additional Secretary, to be appointed by the central government.
The main task of the National Dam Safety Authority includes implementing the policies formulated by the National Committee on Dam Safety, resolving issues between State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs), or between a SDSO and any dam owner in that state, specifying regulations for inspection and investigation of dams.
The NDSA will also provide accreditation to agencies working on construction, design and alteration of dams.
The proposed legislation also envisages constituting a State Dam Safety Organisation whose functions will be to keep perpetual surveillance, inspection, monitoring the operation and maintenance of dams, keeping a database of all dams, and recommending safety measures to owners of dams.
The bill provides for two types of offences --- obstructing a person in the discharge of his functions, and refusing to comply with directions issued under the proposed law.
As per the provisions of the bill, offenders will be punishable with imprisonment of up to one year, or a fine, or both. If the offence leads to loss of lives, the term of imprisonment may be extended up to two years.
Offences will be cognisable only when the complaint is made by the government, or any authority constituted under the bill.
Participating in the debate, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said there are still issues to be resolved and urged the Centre not to encroach upon the rights of state governments.
N K Premachandran (RSP) raised concerns about an additional secretary rank official to be chairman of the Dam Safety Authority and absence of an appellate authority, saying the latter issue is against principles of natural justice.
DMK's A Raja said the bill is an onslaught on the federal structure.
Mahua Moitra (TMC) said the bill impinges on the powers of states and the federal structure.
She urged the government not to bring pieces of legislations that ride roughshod over the states' rights.
BJP member P P Chaudhary emphasised that Parliament has full legislative power to enact the law on dam safety, amid questions raised by some Opposition members on whether Parliament has the legislative competence to introduce the bill.
Shirang Barne (Shiv Sena) through the Bill the government should ensure that there is no encroachment on the rights of the states.
Sunil Tatkare (NCP) stated that there were some lacunae in the bill and added that it does not talk about the recovery of minor and medium dam projects.
B Mahtab (BJD) was of the view though the bill was good and a lot of steps were taken to make it better, still there were many incongruities in the bill.
He said the state should be empowered so that they can take care of themselves.
Lok Sabha passes Dam Safety Bill
A bill seeking to set up an institutional mechanism for surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of specified dams across the country was passed by Lok Sabha on Friday with the centre asserting it has no intention of taking over power of the states.
The provisions of the bill is proposed to be applied to all specified dams in the country which have height of more than 15 metres, or between 10 metres to 15 metres.
Responding to the debate on the Dam Safety Bill, 2019, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the centre has no intention of taking over the powers of state through the draft law.
Water is a state subject.
Shekhawat said that in 2016, states were consulted on the bill and most agreed that it is better than the 2010 draft.
The Minister asserted that through the proposed law the centre does not want to take control of the dams, water or power generated by it.
He also made it clear that there will be no interference on part of the centre or the Central Water Commission officials.
The centre has formulated emergency action plan for 180 dams.
Referring to Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh, he said as the state government has cancelled the tender, the cost of the project is likely to go up over the years.
He said Parliament has the legislative competence to draft laws which relate to public security and safety.
The bill envisages a two-tier structure at national as well state level to ensure safety of dams in the country, said Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat while moving the bill.
Observing that safety of dam is extremely important as it concerns lives of people, property and flora and fauna, the Minister said "there is a need to have a common protocol for safety of dams in the country."
There are 5,745 reservoirs in the country of which 293 are more than 100 years old. The age of 25 per cent of dams is between 50 to 100 years and 80 per cent are over 25 years old, he said.
Among other things, the bill also seeks to resolve the inter-state issues concerning maintenance and safety of dams, he said, adding as many as 92 per cent of dams in the country are on inter-state river basins.
He further said that 40 dams have collapsed in India since Independence and worst such disaster occurred in Gujarat in 1979 leading to loss of thousands of lives of people.
The dam collapse always becomes an international issue, he said, adding it would be a matter of national shame if it is found the collapse was on account of poor maintenance.
The present bill is based on the earlier draft bill which could not be pushed in the previous Lok Sabha, he said. It includes various suggestions of the Standing Committee which had scrutinised the earlier bill.
The bill, he added, envisages constitution of a National Committee on Dam Safety headed by the Chairman, Central Water Commission.
While supporting the bill, Tajasvi Surya (BJP), however, said the legislation does not fix accountability if there is failure of aparticular dam.
G S Damor (BJP) said that India should build big dams taking into consideration demand for large quantity of water.
The panel will formulate policies and regulations regarding dam safety standards and prevention of dam failures, and analyse causes of major dam failures and suggest changes in dam safety practices.
The legislation also envisages setting up of a National Dam Safety Authority to be headed by an officer not below the rank of an Additional Secretary, to be appointed by the central government.
The main task of the National Dam Safety Authority includes implementing the policies formulated by the National Committee on Dam Safety, resolving issues between State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs), or between a SDSO and any dam owner in that state, specifying regulations for inspection and investigation of dams.
The NDSA will also provide accreditation to agencies working on construction, design and alteration of dams.
The proposed legislation also envisages constituting a State Dam Safety Organisation whose functions will be to keep perpetual surveillance, inspection, monitoring the operation and maintenance of dams, keeping a database of all dams, and recommending safety measures to owners of dams.
The bill provides for two types of offences --- obstructing a person in the discharge of his functions, and refusing to comply with directions issued under the proposed law.
As per the provisions of the bill, offenders will be punishable with imprisonment of up to one year, or a fine, or both. If the offence leads to loss of lives, the term of imprisonment may be extended up to two years.
Offences will be cognisable only when the complaint is made by the government, or any authority constituted under the bill.
Participating in the debate, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said there are still issues to be resolved and urged the Centre not to encroach upon the rights of state governments.
N K Premachandran (RSP) raised concerns about an additional secretary rank official to be chairman of the Dam Safety Authority and absence of an appellate authority, saying the latter issue is against principles of natural justice.
DMK's A Raja said the bill is an onslaught on the federal structure.
Mahua Moitra (TMC) said the bill impinges on the powers of states and the federal structure.
She urged the government not to bring pieces of legislations that ride roughshod over the states' rights.
BJP member P P Chaudhary emphasised that Parliament has full legislative power to enact the law on dam safety, amid questions raised by some Opposition members on whether Parliament has the legislative competence to introduce the bill.
Shirang Barne (Shiv Sena) through the Bill the government should ensure that there is no encroachment on the rights of the states.
Sunil Tatkare (NCP) stated that there were some lacunae in the bill and added that it does not talk about the recovery of minor and medium dam projects.
B Mahtab (BJD) was of the view though the bill was good and a lot of steps were taken to make it better, still there were many incongruities in the bill.
He said the state should be empowered so that they can take care of themselves.
Lok Sabha passes Dam Safety Bill
Question on the graphic above, do the states marked in grey have no storage capacity ? Are we the only ones storing water in the NE ? why ? Assam has so much water that its practically underwater half the year. This is criminal negligence.
CM Devendra Fadnavis’ govt plans 4 river-linking projects, tunnel to divert water
By Surendra P Gangan
Mumbai
Updated: Aug 16, 2019 03:26 IST
He said that the state cabinet had sanctioned the proposal to raise loans for four projects that would inter-link rivers across the state and divert water to Marathwada.
In order to provide relief to drought-hit districts in the state, chief minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said the government has planned four river-linking projects and a 480-km long tunnel to divert water. (ANI Photo)
In order to provide relief to drought-hit districts in the state, chief minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said the government has planned four river-linking projects and a 480-km long tunnel to divert water. Fadnavis was speaking at the Mantralaya after hoisting the flag on the occasion of Independence Day.
He said that the state cabinet had sanctioned the proposal to raise loans for four projects that would inter-link rivers across the state and divert water to Marathwada. The announcement comes after the state recently opted out of an inter-state river-linking project of Par-Taapi-Nramada, after the Gujarat governemnt refused to release 434 million metre cube water from Ukai dam to the Tapi basin.
“The intra-state projects include the interlinking of Nar-Par-Girana, Damanganga-Godavari, Par-Godavari and Damanganga-Vaitarana. This will ensure availability of water to parched Marathwada and north Maharashtra,” said an official from chief minister’s office.
Fadnavis also said the state has planned a tunnel that would lift excessive water from Vainganga dam and channel it to five districts in Vidarbha – Amravati, Buldhana, Washim, Akola, Yavatmal. Water from Vainganga flows out to Telagana , CM said.
“Although no policy decision has been taken yet, the state government has a specific plan for the tunnel for water lifting. According to estimates, it will cost ₹5,000 crore, which will be raised by taking a loan. This is the best solution to solve the water crisis in these districts,” said an official from the water resources department.
Further, he said that the government plans to complete all incomplete irrigation projects in western Maharashtra with funding from the Central government. He added that the state government was determined to complete rehabilitation of the flood-affected families in Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara in record time.
Meanwhile, the official from the water resources department said that the government has received a report from the Bhave committee, which had been appointed to study the proposal to lift 67 TMC water from Koyana dam in Satara and divert it to Mumbai.
According to the report, diverting water to the city from the dam would pose a legal challenge, owing to the involvement of two other states. “We have sought legal opinion to go ahead with the diversion of water from Koyana and appointed another committee to study the way out,” the official said.
CM Devendra Fadnavis’ govt plans 4 river-linking projects, tunnel to divert water
By Surendra P Gangan
Mumbai
Updated: Aug 16, 2019 03:26 IST
He said that the state cabinet had sanctioned the proposal to raise loans for four projects that would inter-link rivers across the state and divert water to Marathwada.
In order to provide relief to drought-hit districts in the state, chief minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said the government has planned four river-linking projects and a 480-km long tunnel to divert water. (ANI Photo)
In order to provide relief to drought-hit districts in the state, chief minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said the government has planned four river-linking projects and a 480-km long tunnel to divert water. Fadnavis was speaking at the Mantralaya after hoisting the flag on the occasion of Independence Day.
He said that the state cabinet had sanctioned the proposal to raise loans for four projects that would inter-link rivers across the state and divert water to Marathwada. The announcement comes after the state recently opted out of an inter-state river-linking project of Par-Taapi-Nramada, after the Gujarat governemnt refused to release 434 million metre cube water from Ukai dam to the Tapi basin.
“The intra-state projects include the interlinking of Nar-Par-Girana, Damanganga-Godavari, Par-Godavari and Damanganga-Vaitarana. This will ensure availability of water to parched Marathwada and north Maharashtra,” said an official from chief minister’s office.
Fadnavis also said the state has planned a tunnel that would lift excessive water from Vainganga dam and channel it to five districts in Vidarbha – Amravati, Buldhana, Washim, Akola, Yavatmal. Water from Vainganga flows out to Telagana , CM said.
“Although no policy decision has been taken yet, the state government has a specific plan for the tunnel for water lifting. According to estimates, it will cost ₹5,000 crore, which will be raised by taking a loan. This is the best solution to solve the water crisis in these districts,” said an official from the water resources department.
Further, he said that the government plans to complete all incomplete irrigation projects in western Maharashtra with funding from the Central government. He added that the state government was determined to complete rehabilitation of the flood-affected families in Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara in record time.
Meanwhile, the official from the water resources department said that the government has received a report from the Bhave committee, which had been appointed to study the proposal to lift 67 TMC water from Koyana dam in Satara and divert it to Mumbai.
According to the report, diverting water to the city from the dam would pose a legal challenge, owing to the involvement of two other states. “We have sought legal opinion to go ahead with the diversion of water from Koyana and appointed another committee to study the way out,” the official said.
CM Devendra Fadnavis’ govt plans 4 river-linking projects, tunnel to divert water
Maharashtra: In Marathwada, govt plans Rs 16,000-crore grid for piped water
Called the Marathwada Water Grid, the first tenders are to be floated in a week, covering a Rs 4,527-crore component of the Rs 16,000-crore project.
Written by Kavitha Iyer | Mumbai | Updated: August 17, 2019 5:48:48 pm
Water scarcity in the region is acute — while large parts of western Maharashtra reeled under floods last week, over 250 villages in Marathwada continued to receive water through tankers. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)
Facing cyclical drought, the arid Marathwada region of central India has now been promised a network of giant pipelines running thousands of kilometres to connect the region’s 11 major reservoirs, punctuated by water treatment plants and pumping stations, to provide piped drinking water to every village household three years from now.
Water scarcity in the region is acute — while large parts of western Maharashtra reeled under floods last week, over 250 villages in Marathwada continued to receive water through tankers. Already suffering from an acute depletion of groundwater levels, five districts still face a 20 to 42 per cent monsoon deficit though Maharashtra has recorded excess rain this season.
Called the Marathwada Water Grid, the first tenders are to be floated in a week, covering a Rs 4,527-crore component of the Rs 16,000-crore project.
The project proposes to connect 11 major dams in Marathwada through pipelines ranging from 1.6 m to 2.4 m in diameter. A primary loop will connect the reservoirs to enable pumping water from water surplus dams to areas serviced by reservoirs with low storage levels.
For now, tenders will be floated for two packages — one contract will cover Aurangabad-Jalna, another Beed.
For example, right now, while the region’s biggest dam Jayakwadi has opened its sluice gates partially after its reservoir Nath Sagar filled up to 91 per cent of its capacity owing to inflows from rained-out Nashik’s east-flowing rivers, at least half-a-dozen of the remaining 10 major dams are still at dead storage.
“The project aims to bring in water security and optimal use of available water in the region. Often, there is water individually in these reservoirs, but collectively the region is water scarce,” said P Velrasu, member-secretary of the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP), which is handling the project.
He called the Marathwada grid a potential “game-changer” for the region. Through pipelines and pump houses, the grid — much like a power grid — will allow water to be drawn from a water-surplus reservoir and pumped to water treatment plants and from there to talukas where there is a scarcity. Some sections of the pipeline will allow reverse flows to optimise the system so that a water-scarce taluka is supplied from the nearest water-surplus reservoir. A secondary network of pipelines will convey water to each of Marathwada’s 76 talukas, with tapping points at a distance of every 5 km to 10 km.
At a later stage, the project envisages connecting to the Marathwada grid the waters from Konkan’s west-flowing rivers that now empty freshwater into the Arabian Sea, and also from the Krishna basin that keeps western Maharashtra flush.
For now, tenders will be floated for two packages — one contract will cover Aurangabad-Jalna, another Beed. Tenders for the remaining three packages will be floated soon after the state Assembly elections, due in October.
Concessionaires for each package will lay the primary pipelines for bulk water from the reservoirs, the secondary grid of pipelines for treated water, and water treatment plants. For Aurangabad alone, the project foresees 192 km of primary pipelines and 490 km of secondary pipelines. In Jalna, pipelines for bulk water will run 132 km and 293 km for treated water. Four treatment plants in Aurangabad will process 396 million litres daily (MLD), and three plants in Jalna will process 149 MLD. Together, the anticipated cost for the 1,108 km of pipelines and seven treatment plants is estimated to be Rs 4,500 crore.
As project consultant, Israel’s national water supply company, Mekorot, which has in recent years emerged as a sectoral expert for water-scarce regions, is drawing up detailed reports on the anticipated demand district-wise for the region in 2050 for drinking water, animals, irrigation and industry.
Their scope of work also includes studying available and potential water sources, including existing supply lines. Mekorot will submit reports on the feasibility of a piped water grid for all uses, but the first phase will focus on providing piped drinking water to a region where hundreds of crores are spent each year on water tankers.
Guided by Israel’s water supply network that includes a deep pipeline through the desert from freshwater lake Sea of Galilee, the Marathwada grid is, however, not the first such Indian scheme. Telangana has built its Mission Bhagiratha, while Gujarat has a drinking water project that is a hybrid of pipelines and canals from the Sardar Sarovar dam.
According to Velrasu, no land acquisition is foreseen except for the water treatment plants, as the pipelines are to be laid along existing highways where the state has right of way. Wherever the pipes are to be laid under sections of farmland, farmers may be paid compensation for standing crops
But some challenges remain: MJP’s Rs 16,000-crore project will have to be matched by an almost equal investment by the state’s water supply department to build a much more dense and complicated tertiary network of pipelines reaching villages and homes. Without those, the project will stay incomplete.
Also, under the Hybrid Annuity Model, following prequalification and vetting of designs, the bidder quoting the lowest Net Present Value (NPV) for construction and operations for 15 years will be selected. The concessionaire raises 60 per cent of the project cost via debt and equity, while the government pays the remaining in tranches. A budgeted revenue support from the government for the concessionaire over 15 years will be required.
Maharashtra: In Marathwada, govt plans Rs 16,000-crore grid for piped water
Called the Marathwada Water Grid, the first tenders are to be floated in a week, covering a Rs 4,527-crore component of the Rs 16,000-crore project.
Written by Kavitha Iyer | Mumbai | Updated: August 17, 2019 5:48:48 pm
Water scarcity in the region is acute — while large parts of western Maharashtra reeled under floods last week, over 250 villages in Marathwada continued to receive water through tankers. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)
Facing cyclical drought, the arid Marathwada region of central India has now been promised a network of giant pipelines running thousands of kilometres to connect the region’s 11 major reservoirs, punctuated by water treatment plants and pumping stations, to provide piped drinking water to every village household three years from now.
Water scarcity in the region is acute — while large parts of western Maharashtra reeled under floods last week, over 250 villages in Marathwada continued to receive water through tankers. Already suffering from an acute depletion of groundwater levels, five districts still face a 20 to 42 per cent monsoon deficit though Maharashtra has recorded excess rain this season.
Called the Marathwada Water Grid, the first tenders are to be floated in a week, covering a Rs 4,527-crore component of the Rs 16,000-crore project.
The project proposes to connect 11 major dams in Marathwada through pipelines ranging from 1.6 m to 2.4 m in diameter. A primary loop will connect the reservoirs to enable pumping water from water surplus dams to areas serviced by reservoirs with low storage levels.
For now, tenders will be floated for two packages — one contract will cover Aurangabad-Jalna, another Beed.
For example, right now, while the region’s biggest dam Jayakwadi has opened its sluice gates partially after its reservoir Nath Sagar filled up to 91 per cent of its capacity owing to inflows from rained-out Nashik’s east-flowing rivers, at least half-a-dozen of the remaining 10 major dams are still at dead storage.
“The project aims to bring in water security and optimal use of available water in the region. Often, there is water individually in these reservoirs, but collectively the region is water scarce,” said P Velrasu, member-secretary of the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP), which is handling the project.
He called the Marathwada grid a potential “game-changer” for the region. Through pipelines and pump houses, the grid — much like a power grid — will allow water to be drawn from a water-surplus reservoir and pumped to water treatment plants and from there to talukas where there is a scarcity. Some sections of the pipeline will allow reverse flows to optimise the system so that a water-scarce taluka is supplied from the nearest water-surplus reservoir. A secondary network of pipelines will convey water to each of Marathwada’s 76 talukas, with tapping points at a distance of every 5 km to 10 km.
At a later stage, the project envisages connecting to the Marathwada grid the waters from Konkan’s west-flowing rivers that now empty freshwater into the Arabian Sea, and also from the Krishna basin that keeps western Maharashtra flush.
For now, tenders will be floated for two packages — one contract will cover Aurangabad-Jalna, another Beed. Tenders for the remaining three packages will be floated soon after the state Assembly elections, due in October.
Concessionaires for each package will lay the primary pipelines for bulk water from the reservoirs, the secondary grid of pipelines for treated water, and water treatment plants. For Aurangabad alone, the project foresees 192 km of primary pipelines and 490 km of secondary pipelines. In Jalna, pipelines for bulk water will run 132 km and 293 km for treated water. Four treatment plants in Aurangabad will process 396 million litres daily (MLD), and three plants in Jalna will process 149 MLD. Together, the anticipated cost for the 1,108 km of pipelines and seven treatment plants is estimated to be Rs 4,500 crore.
As project consultant, Israel’s national water supply company, Mekorot, which has in recent years emerged as a sectoral expert for water-scarce regions, is drawing up detailed reports on the anticipated demand district-wise for the region in 2050 for drinking water, animals, irrigation and industry.
Their scope of work also includes studying available and potential water sources, including existing supply lines. Mekorot will submit reports on the feasibility of a piped water grid for all uses, but the first phase will focus on providing piped drinking water to a region where hundreds of crores are spent each year on water tankers.
Guided by Israel’s water supply network that includes a deep pipeline through the desert from freshwater lake Sea of Galilee, the Marathwada grid is, however, not the first such Indian scheme. Telangana has built its Mission Bhagiratha, while Gujarat has a drinking water project that is a hybrid of pipelines and canals from the Sardar Sarovar dam.
According to Velrasu, no land acquisition is foreseen except for the water treatment plants, as the pipelines are to be laid along existing highways where the state has right of way. Wherever the pipes are to be laid under sections of farmland, farmers may be paid compensation for standing crops
But some challenges remain: MJP’s Rs 16,000-crore project will have to be matched by an almost equal investment by the state’s water supply department to build a much more dense and complicated tertiary network of pipelines reaching villages and homes. Without those, the project will stay incomplete.
Also, under the Hybrid Annuity Model, following prequalification and vetting of designs, the bidder quoting the lowest Net Present Value (NPV) for construction and operations for 15 years will be selected. The concessionaire raises 60 per cent of the project cost via debt and equity, while the government pays the remaining in tranches. A budgeted revenue support from the government for the concessionaire over 15 years will be required.
Maharashtra: In Marathwada, govt plans Rs 16,000-crore grid for piped water
