Yamuna Manthan 060324: Linking Plans Threatening Yamuna - SANDRP

From left- Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi. (ANI-HT)

March 6, 2024 - SANDRP

Yamuna the largest tributary of National River Ganga has already been succumbing on account of dams, hydro projects, unsustainable riverbed mining and ever-increasing pollution load in Himalayan, upper and middle segments. Despite this, the river has managed to be in better shape and size in its lower segment mainly due to its tributaries network including Chambal, Sind, Kali Sindh, Betwa, Ken etc. However, now there are river interlinking plans threatening the remaining relatively flowing and living stretch of the river in this very lower segment.

The push for country’s so called first river interlinking plan namely Ken-Betwa River interlinking is going on ignoring the norms, clearances and better viable alternatives. Now, the state governments of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have signed agreement to prepare DPR for Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) river interlinking under modified Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).

The central government has termed the project of national importance and would share the 90 precent of it cost. The entire project is estimated to cost Rs. 72,000 crore and claimed to be built in 5 years. The project proposes interlinking of 6 Chambal rivers namely Parbati, Kalisindh, Kshipra, Kuno, Lakhunder, Mej, Kyul by at least 17 big and small dams and barrages.

Under the project 7 dams of 403 MCM capacity are planned in upper basin of Chambal river alone including 5 upstream Gandhi Sagar dam and 1 each on Kshipra and Gambhir rivers apart from small dams in Ujjain, Indore and Dhar districts. Similarly, 4 dams and 2 barrages are proposed on Kuno river in Sheopur, Shivpuri and Guna districts apart from 2 new dams each on Lakhunder and Kalisindh rivers.

The project has potential to deprive these rivers and ultimately Yamuna of essential environmental flows in lower segment in addition to increasing disaster potential and profound adverse impacts on riverine eco-system as suggested in a latest study below. The study mentions that the alteration and reduction in flow patterns would cause many problems in these rivers from destruction of aquatic lives to increase in river water temperature, pollution accumulation and erosion to changes in sediment transportation to impact on river morphology. As a solution the study suggest mandatory incorporation of e-flows as basic component in water management strategies of the project.

It is far better to exhaust all local alternatives and ensure that adversely affected riverine communities and others are able to take democratic and informed decision before embarking on massive project which in the long run would prove detrimental to still living and flowing Yamuna basin rivers in lower segments.

INTERLINKING OF YAMUNA RIVERS

Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Linking Hydrological dynamics of PKC Link: An integrated analysis in the context of ERCP Abstract: This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of hydrological patterns in the Kalisindh and Parbati Rivers. Employing an array of data sources, this research utilizes Polynomial Regression and neural network forecasting to dissect flow patterns, identifying significant virgin flow peaks in the mid-1980s and early 2000s for the Kalisindh River, and a notable peak in 2006–2007 for the Parbati River. Analysis reveals that the specific discharge rate of the Parbati River is diminishing at twice the rate of the Kalisindh River, with annual decreases of approximately 0.0038 cumecs/km2 for Parbati, compared to 0.0019 cumecs/km2 for Kalisindh. Furthermore, runoff volumes indicate that the Parbati River, specifically at the Khatoli Gauge & Discharge (G&D) site, experiences significantly higher runoff—28,137.912 million cubic meters (MCM)—in contrast to 15,795.094 MCM for the Kalisindh River at the Barod G&D site. The findings accentuate the necessity for science-based water management strategies to effectively combat water scarcity and climate change impacts.

-The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), by diverting surplus waters from rivers such as the Kalisindh and Parbati, presents both opportunities and challenges for the regional ecology. On one hand, the project has the potential to significantly improve water availability for agricultural, domestic, and industrial use, thereby supporting socio-economic development in Eastern Rajasthan. On the other hand, alterations in river flow patterns might have profound impacts on riverine ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, water quality, and the overall health of aquatic habitats. Changes in flow regimes may disrupt the life cycles of native aquatic species, including fish and macroinvertebrates, by affecting spawning cues, nursery habitats, and food availability. Additionally, reduced flow volumes can concentrate pollutants, elevate temperatures, and decrease oxygen levels, further stressing aquatic life. The potential for increased erosion and sediment transport, as a result of altered flow dynamics, also poses a threat to river morphology and habitat stability. To mitigate these ecological impacts, it is imperative that water management strategies incorporate environmental flow requirements as a fundamental component. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123024002135  (03 March 2024)

The detailed project report (DPR) for ERCP under the Modified PKC (Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal)-ERCP Link Project is likely to be prepared in a fortnight. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/dpr-of-pkc-ercp-link-project-likely-within-next-15-days-eastern-rajasthan-canal-project/articleshow/107837399.cms  (20 Feb. 2024)

YAMUNA WATER SHARING DISPUTES

Haryana-Rajasthan MoU for utilizing surplus Yamuna water signed The MoU was signed after a meeting between CM Manohar Lal Khattar and Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma Feb. 17. The meeting was chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. After deliberations, a consensus was arrived for the joint preparation of DPR for the transfer of water through underground pipelines.

The state governments will finalise the DPR for the transfer of water through underground pipelines during July-October for drinking water supply and other requirements for Churu, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and other districts of Rajasthan after utilisation of full capacity (24,000 cusecs) of the Western Yamuna Canal by Haryana, including Delhi’s share, at Hathnikund under Phase 1 of the project. Both states shall extend full cooperation in preparation of the DPR within four months, as per the MoU.

According to an official, one of the key decisions arising from the meeting was the agreement to create facilities for the optimal utilisation of the Yamuna waters by Rajasthan and Haryana as per their allocations specified in the MoU of 1994. This issue has been a point of contention for over two decades since the signing of the MoU on May 12, 1994, allocating water shares among co-basin states. After construction of three identified storages in Upper Yamuna Basin, namely Renukaji, Lakhwar and Kishau, the corresponding share of Rajasthan at Hathnikund during the rest of the period shall be conveyed through the same system for drinking water and irrigation purpose to the extent possible. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/state-agrees-to-give-excess-monsoon-water-to-rajasthan-591901  (18 Feb. 2024)

Haryana CM ML Khattar said that during the monsoon season, a significant amount of rainwater flowing through the Yamuna river gets wasted as it empties into the sea. Recognizing the need for sustainable water management and flood control measures, both states have committed to developing a comprehensive strategy by preparing a detailed project report. Under this MoU, the surplus water used in the water deficit areas of Haryana will also be provided to Rajasthan, an official spokesperson said. This water can be used in the areas of Haryana’s border districts of Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, and Hisar.

The CM said that apart from the districts situated on the state’s border, the entire Haryana will receive more water from the increased capacity of the western Jamuna Canal (WJC), and Rajasthan will also get water. As per the agreement, four pipelines will be laid, three of which, with a capacity of 2500 cusecs, will be for Rajasthan, and the fourth pipeline will fulfil the water needs in the water-scarce areas of three districts of Haryana bordering Rajasthan – Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, and Hisar, the spokesperson said.  https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/haryana-rajasthan-sign-agreement-for-utilising-surplus-yamuna-water-101708195853962.html  (18 Feb. 2024)

According to the agreement, the two states will prepare a detailed project report in four months for laying pipelines from Western Yamuna Canal of Hathnikund barrage. Three pipes would be meant for Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu districts, while an additional pipe will be laid to take water towards southern Haryana through Dadri district. The pact will not affect Haryana’s share of the share of Delhi. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/haryana-and-rajasthan-sign-pact-to-share-yamuna-water-latest-news/articleshow/107789403.cms  (18 Feb. 2024)

The state governments will prepare and finalise the DPR for transfer of water through underground pipelines during July-October up to 577 MCM for drinking water supply and other requirements for Churu, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and other districts of Rajasthan after utilisation of full capacity (24,000 cusec) of the Western Yamuna Canal by Haryana including Delhi share at Hathnikund under Phase-1 of the project. https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/haryana-raj-sign-mou-on-yamuna-water-sharing-via-underground-pipelines-124021700475_1.html   (17 Feb. 2024)

Water sharing pact due for revision in 2025 According to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, the water sharing agreement of 1994 among the riparian states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi is due for revision only in 2025. https://theprint.in/india/nih-recommended-e-flow-of-23-cumecs-inadequate-to-make-yamuna-fit-for-bathing-dpcc/1966128/  (14 Feb. 2024)

(South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People – SANDRP)