Urgently desilt Sardar Sarovar, other dams, stop illegal river sand mining, protect wetland

Paryavaran Mitra director Mahesh Pandya’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on urgent need to desilt Sardar Sarovar and other dams, stop illegal river sand mining, and protection of ponds/wetlands in Gujarat:

***

First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the occasion of 75th anniversary of India’s Independence. On the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav, we welcome your suggestion of constructing at least 75 water reservoirs in each district for the celebration of Amrut Mahotsav. In the Mann Ki Baat sessions of March 27, 2022, June 29, 2021, November 25, 2021 and June 29, 2019, the emphasis on water reservoirs was taken forward on Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav.
Within 17 days of your becoming Prime Minister, the decision to increase the height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam to 138 meters with an objective of abating scarcity of drinking and irrigation water. This would also contribute to Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) launched during your chief ministership in the state of Gujarat.
However, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that desilting is the first and foremost requirement of the reservoirs, as continuous silting reduces the storage capacity. According to a recent report in a local newspaper, the Sardar Sarovar dam is filled with 53% of its capacity and only 39% of storage is available in the reservoir for usage. In consecutive past two years 2020-2021, Gujarat has witnessed almost 102% of rainfall in monsoon. Various dams of Saurashtra also have silted significantly leading to reduced storage capacities of water. If the monsoon is prolonged, there will be an acute scarcity of water.
In the last year’s Gujarat State Legislative Assembly session dated March 9, 2021, in one of the Star
Questions, it was mentioned that the survey about the present silt level in Sardar Sarovar Dam is not conducted yet.
In addition to this, the information is derived from the un-star question of the Gujarat State Legislative Assembly dated March 24, 2022, which mentions that the silt survey of many large and medium dams of Gujarat was conducted in 2021. While for some dams, the survey has taken place in the years 2001, 2009, 2017-18, no action is taken for removal of silt. The reason stated for non-removal of silt was that the desilting process is done ad hoc manner and not scheduled. Hence, the budget allocation for this activity is not regular and will be done, when this activity is to be taken up.
As per the handbook for Assessing and Managing Reservoir Sediment, published by CWC in February 2019, the same issue is discussed and we quote: (Page no. 23 – 24).“Sediment-induced problems induce a number of adverse impacts not only within reservoirs but also in both upstream and downstream areas of river systems with dams. Some of the adverse effects, induced by sedimentation and erosion processes in a river system with reservoirs, are outlined as follows: Reduction of storage volume in reservoirs due to sediment deposits.

Flood level increase upstream of the reservoir (higher than estimated during design) due to changed river slope.
For flood control dams and reservoirs, reduction of storage implies altered regulation and operational strategies leading to less effectiveness of flow/flood management, and thus more risk.
Erosion and shifting of river banks and bed incision in downstream areas. Coastline erosion due to the lack of fertile silt and nutrient supply.
Adverse effects on agricultural activities in downstream areas due to lack of fertile silt and nutrient supply.
Impact on aquaculture like fisheries, and aquatic plants in downstream areas.
Possible alteration in static and dynamic loads on structures due to large deposition in front of dam/spillway.
Erosion of turbines and its accessories.
Malfunctioning and clogging of hydro-mechanical equipment, such as flow control gates, sluice outlets and vents.
Abrasion and cavitations of concrete structures like spillways, roller buckets, cut-off wall, and sediment bypass tunnels and channels etc.
Deterioration of aquatic environments, ecology, water and sediment quality leading to eutrophication, contamination of sediments in the reservoir (this is usually the case due to industrial effluents, reaching the reservoir).”

Also, On page number 30 of this report, in figure 2.2, it is shown that there are 60 dams in Gujarat whose storage capacity has been reduced by 2.4 billion cubic metres. This situation depicts that, if the silt from the Sardar Sarovar Dam and from other dams is not removed, it will directly affect the efficiency and usefulness of SAUNI Yojana.
The second issue, we wish to draw your attention to is about high level of illegal sand mining in river beds in Gujarat.
We wish to draw your attention to illegal mining in the rivers of Gujarat. A local newspaper reported that 182 rivers of Gujarat are excessively mined leading to desertification and reduced flow of water. This has directly impacted groundwater levels too. The sand present on the banks of the river curtails the velocity of the flow water-reducing soil erosion. Sand mining will result in flowing away of river water into the ocean. This impacts the base flow of water in the river, resulting in immediate drying of rivers post-monsoon.
The third issue, we wish to draw your attention to is about the level of river pollution in rivers of Gujarat.
On 28/6/2019, in the Lok Sabha, as a reply to the Un-starred Question, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has answered that there are 20 heavily polluted rivers in Gujarat.
On 5/12/2019, The Ministry of Jal Shakti also reply to an Un-starred Question that there are 20 rivers in Gujarat that are highly polluted.
Pollution in rivers coupled with uncontrolled mining of sand would result in water scarcity across the state. Untreated sewage is dumped in freshwater relentless making potable water so polluted that it can not be used for drinking.
The fourth issue we wish to draw your attention preservation of water reservoirs (Ponds/Wetlands).
We sincerely welcome your appeal of making at least 75 lakes/ponds/water reservoirs in each district. But, in Gujarat, there are many lakes and ponds which are filled and converted in land for town planning and other development schemes. In this context, the Paryavaran Mitra has drawn the attention of the government of Gujarat and the hon’ble court. In this matter, we had approached hon’ble Gujarat High Court through WP(PIL)144/2021. On which the Hon’ble High Court gave an oral order on 17/2/2022, in which it has directed the Gujarat Government on the issue of “preservation of water reservoirs”. We have also enclosed a brief crux of those judgements (Attachment 5) in this letter.
We strongly believe that “Nal Se Jal” Yojana will achieve its objectives, if the following suggested works are carried out effectively. We kindly request you to consider the following suggestions in solve water crisis of Gujarat:
(1) The silting survey of Sardar Sarovar Dam should be done on an immediate basis and followed by this, the desilting process should be carried out by proper method. (As per directed by Handbook for Assessing and Managing Reservoir Sedimentation published by CWC)
(2) The desilting Process should be carried out in all the medium as well as small dams of Gujarat.
(3) Illegal sand mining must be stopped as soon as possible.
Please give a direction to the Government of Gujarat to follow and implementation of the following judgement of honourable Gujarat High Court for protection of wetlands/ponds/water reservoirs:
(1) Paryavaran Mitra versus State Of Gujarat R/WRIT PETITION (PIL) NO. 144 Of 2021 Dated: 17/2/2022
(2) Shailesh R. Shah versus State Of Gujarat and others reported in 2002(3) GLR 2295

Comments

Towards 2024: Time for ‘We the People of India’ to wake up before it is too late

By Fr Cedric Prakash SJ* It is Constitution Day once again! We, the people of India, gratefully remember 26 November 1949 when the Constitution of India was passed and adopted by the Constituent Assembly. The Constituent Assembly comprised women and men of distinction, who were able to represent the heart and soul of the people of India without fear or favour. They gave of their best, so that we may a visionary Constitution, which would be the mainstay for and of democracy in India!

Regretful: Kapil Dev retired not leaving Indian cricket with integrity he upheld

By Harsh Thakor Kapil Dev scaled heights as an entertainer and a player upholding the spirit of the game almost unparalleled in his era. In his time he was cricket’s ultimate mascot of sportsmanship On his day Kapil could dazzle in all departments to turn the tempo of game in the manner of a Tsunami breaking in. He radiated r energy, at a level rarely scaled in his era on a cricket field. Few ever blended aggression with artistry so comprehenisively. Although fast medium, he could be as daunting with the ball as the very best, with his crafty outswinger, offcutter, slower ball and ball that kicked from a good length. Inspite of bowling on docile tracks on the subcontinent, Kapil had 434 scalps, with virtually no assistance. I can never forget how he obtained pace and movement on flat pancakes, trapping the great Vivian Richards in Front or getting Geoff Boycott or Zaheer Abbas caught behind. No paceman carried the workload of his team’s bowling attack on his shoulders in his eras muc

How the slogan Jai Bhim gained momentum as movement of popularity and revolution

By Dr Kapilendra Das* India is an incomprehensible plural country loaded with diversities of religions, castes, cultures, languages, dialects, tribes, societies, costumes, etc. The Indians have good manners/etiquette (decent social conduct, gesture, courtesy, politeness) that build healthy relationships and take them ahead to life. In many parts of India, in many situations, and on formal occasions, it is common for people of India to express and exchange respect, greetings, and salutation for which we people usually use words and phrases like- Namaskar, Namaste, Pranam, Ram Ram, Jai Ram ji, Jai Sriram, Good morning, shubha sakal, Radhe Radhe, Jai Bajarangabali, Jai Gopal, Jai Jai, Supravat, Good night, Shuvaratri, Jai Bhole, Salaam walekam, Walekam salaam, Radhaswami, Namo Buddhaya, Jai Bhim, Hello, and so on.

Critical factors that determine, contribute to the success and effectiveness of NGOs

By Rohit Rakshit Over the last few years, I have been fortunate to work with numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across various states in the country. This experience has allowed me to gain insights into their diverse areas of work while also enabling me to analyze the key attributes that contribute to the success of a good NGO. According to my observations, the following are the critical factors that determine the effectiveness of an NGO.

Polytechnic Uprising 50 years ago even today inspires radical Greek youth movement

By Harsh Thakor* On November 17, progressive sections in Greece marked the 50th anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic Uprising of 1973. A massive rally from the Athens Polytechnic passed through various parts of the city, including the US Embassy. Thousands of activists from the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Communist Youth of Greece (KNE), Students Struggle Front (MAS), Federation of Greek Women (OGE), Hellenic Committee for International Detente and Peace (EEDYE), and All Workers Militant Front (PAME), among other groups, participated in the march denouncing imperialism, fascism and military dictatorship.

Delhi labour chowk workers get work for 15 days a month, 10% get grain on ration cards

By Bharat Dogra* It is around 10 in the morning and the number of workers at the Sigalpur labor chowk in Shalimar Bagh area of Delhi is increasing. As a worker Munna says: “The hope of getting any work is much lesser now due to pollution related ban on construction but still workers assemble here in the hope of getting at least some minor repair or other work.”

How adamant Bellsonika management is continuously robbing workers' livelihood

By Harsh Thakor* On September 27th, earlier this year, the Bellsonika Workers’ Union was stripped of legal status or registration. The Haryana government's labour department cancelled the registration of the Bellsonica workers' union over granting the membership to one of the 'contractual workers'. It was major breach on Constitutional Rights of workers, to enable the contract labour system to flourish, and tighten the noose on any form of workers resistance.

Day to remember hardship, sincere efforts of Dr Ambedkar for framing Constitution

By Dr Kapilendra Das The 26th of November, the day of an important landmark in India's journey as an Independent, Sovereign, socialist, secular, and Democratic, Republic is celebrated as National Constitution Day in India, also known as Samvidhan Divas. On this day the constituent Assembly adopted the constitution of India in 1949 to secure the Indian Citizen's justice, liberty, equality, and union which came into effect two months later, on January 26, 1950, and India became a Republic.

TERI researchers outline ways for robust, equitable and flexible outcome at COP28

By Sanya Hans Researchers at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) launched two crucial policy briefs ahead of the much anticipated 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) scheduled from November 30 to December 12, 2023 at Dubai, UAE. Former climate negotiator, Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, a Distinguished Fellow at TERI emphasized, “Adaptation is an imperative and absolute must in present times for the Global South. COP28 needs to make the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) integral to climate commitments and action”. “Climate change demands that energy use must be sustainable; the development imperative of the Global South demands it to be inclusive, just and fair," Mr Puri added. Outcome on GGA will be a key determinant for the success of COP28 The policy brief titled ‘Road to Dubai and The Global Goal on Adaption’ reviewed the discussions around the GGA framework to provide perspectives on what could be a robust, equitable, and flexible outcome of the GGA process at CO

Raising temperature of frozen foods by 3 degrees from -18°C to -15°C can slash carbon emissions: Study

By Payel Sannigrahi Frozen food temperatures could be changed by just three degrees to save the carbon dioxide emissions of 3.8 million cars per year, research suggests.

Search This Blog