Orissa to move Supreme Court against Polavaram project
Posted by news on Aug 30th, 2010
Bhubaneswar, Aug 30 (IANS) Orissa Monday said it will move the Supreme Court against the clearance granted by the union environment and forests ministry to the multi-purpose Polavaram irrigation project on river Godavari in Andhra Pradesh.
“We will file a petition in the Supreme Court in a day or two seeking scrapping of the forest clearance granted to the project as it will submerge several villages in Orissa’s Malkangiri district,” state Water Resources Secretary S.C. Mohapatra told IANS.
The ministry granted approval last month saying that there would be no submergence of Orissa’s area as the Andhra Pradesh government will build a wall along the border with the state to prevent flooding in Orissa.
“They took the decision considering that only ten villages would be submerged. But that is not true. More villages will be affected in our state,” Mohapatra said.
“No assessment on its impact in Orissa was done yet. Similarly no public hearing was also done in the villages which would be affected by the project,” he said.
The Orissa government moved the Supreme Court after the ministry first granted interim approval to the project in 2008.
“When the case is still pending in the court, we are surprised how the ministry granted final approval,” he said.
The state government is also unhappy over the way the clearance was given without consulting the people in Orissa and Chhattisgarh who would be affected by the project, he said.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as well as Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh early this month seeking withdrawal of the permission, Mohapatra said
He said he himself wrote to the environment and forests secretary.
The Andhra Pradesh government says the Rs.10,150-crore project will provide drinking water to 2.85 million people, produce 960 MW of power and give industry 23,500 million cubic feet of water.
The project first envisioned by the British rulers in 1941 has, however, been facing opposition since decades from local residents who fear displacement, as well as from Orissa and Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh and Orissa fear that after completion of the project, in case of floods, the back water of the Godavari will flow to its tributaries Saberi and Sileru in Orissa and Chhattisgarh and submerge dozens of villages.
Andhra Pradesh said it will put embankments on the river but Orissa officials said that it was not the solution.
The central ministry gave the final clearance for diversion of 3,731.07 hectares of forest land last month for the project on the condition that no submergence of forest land should take place in Orissa and Chhattisgarh.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Polavaram Politics
'Vedanta standards apply to Polavaram'
Sreelatha Menon / New Delhi August 30, 2010, 0:39 IST
N C Saxena, who led the committee which recommended against permitting mining of the Niyamgiri hills in Orissa, says the same approach should be adopted for Andhra Pradesh’s mammoth Polavaram hydro project, too.
If there is violation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) there, too, it should not be allowed, as that is the law of the land, Saxena told Business Standard.
The Polavaram dam being constructed on the Godavari river by the Andhra Pradesh government for irrigation and power generation got final clearance from the ministry of environment and forests a month earlier, despite detailed charges of violation of the FRA and despite a submergence area of 7,500 hectares of forest land involved.
About 330 tribal villages fall in the submergence area. The state government has been accused of not setting up forest rights committees at the gram sabha level in each of these villages to seek the consent of the people and to evaluate their right to the forests that are being removed.
The Congress-led UPA government at the Centre has been accused of double standards, for rejecting Vedanta on the one hand and allowing Polavaram on the other.
The Saxena committee’s interpretation of the FRA makes the say of the forest dwellers even superior to that of the ministry itself. But it has not been applied here.
N C Saxena says if the gram sabhas have not been heard in Polavaram, then it is illegal. Asked if he would take it up in the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council, where he is a member, he declined to commit himself. But said people and activists could use the Vedanta verdict and the committee report to get justice. They could appeal to both the courts and the Union environment ministry, he said, even if the final clearance had been officially given.
The National Environment Appellate Authority had accused the Andhra government of FRA violations, particularly not seeking the consent of gram sabhas of the 330 villages involved.
These are mostly in East and West Godavari districts, besides two districts of Orissa and in Chhattisgarh.
The state government has since redesigned the dam by including a wall along the state border to prevent flooding in neighbouring Orissa and Chhattisgarh. This would mean additional requirement of land.
The environment appraisal committee of the ministry itself had asked for a fresh application in view of this changed design. However, the clearance came in spite of this.
Orissa and Chhattisgarh have both opposed the project, as it is feared to cause floods in their villages once completed.
Sreelatha Menon / New Delhi August 30, 2010, 0:39 IST
N C Saxena, who led the committee which recommended against permitting mining of the Niyamgiri hills in Orissa, says the same approach should be adopted for Andhra Pradesh’s mammoth Polavaram hydro project, too.
If there is violation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) there, too, it should not be allowed, as that is the law of the land, Saxena told Business Standard.
The Polavaram dam being constructed on the Godavari river by the Andhra Pradesh government for irrigation and power generation got final clearance from the ministry of environment and forests a month earlier, despite detailed charges of violation of the FRA and despite a submergence area of 7,500 hectares of forest land involved.
About 330 tribal villages fall in the submergence area. The state government has been accused of not setting up forest rights committees at the gram sabha level in each of these villages to seek the consent of the people and to evaluate their right to the forests that are being removed.
The Congress-led UPA government at the Centre has been accused of double standards, for rejecting Vedanta on the one hand and allowing Polavaram on the other.
The Saxena committee’s interpretation of the FRA makes the say of the forest dwellers even superior to that of the ministry itself. But it has not been applied here.
N C Saxena says if the gram sabhas have not been heard in Polavaram, then it is illegal. Asked if he would take it up in the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council, where he is a member, he declined to commit himself. But said people and activists could use the Vedanta verdict and the committee report to get justice. They could appeal to both the courts and the Union environment ministry, he said, even if the final clearance had been officially given.
The National Environment Appellate Authority had accused the Andhra government of FRA violations, particularly not seeking the consent of gram sabhas of the 330 villages involved.
These are mostly in East and West Godavari districts, besides two districts of Orissa and in Chhattisgarh.
The state government has since redesigned the dam by including a wall along the state border to prevent flooding in neighbouring Orissa and Chhattisgarh. This would mean additional requirement of land.
The environment appraisal committee of the ministry itself had asked for a fresh application in view of this changed design. However, the clearance came in spite of this.
Orissa and Chhattisgarh have both opposed the project, as it is feared to cause floods in their villages once completed.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Mounting River Pollution
Pollution in Bheden and Ib (OPCB unveils action plan for coal belt)
The CPCB which had carried out a survey across the polluted industrial clusters of the country had developed a Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI). Ib Valley-Jharsuguda was given a score above 70 making the region heavily polluted.
In its pollution abatement plan, the Board called for creation of a reservoir for storage of mine drainage water and runoff which can be used for industrial purpose. An aluminium smelter plant operating in the close proximity of the Bheden river discharges its water to Hirakud reservoir. Since the smelter plant handles substantial quantity of fluoride-bearing materials, there is an apprehension that it may find its way to the Bheden and contaminate the water.
Besides, during monsoon, run-offs from various stockpiles like coal, minerals, solid waste get discharged to the river Ib, the Bheden and Hirakud reservoir through its feeder streams
Since sewage from Jharsuguda and Brajarajnagar towns are discharged into the Ib river without any treatment causing contamination of river water, the plan suggested a treatment plant for both the towns. All the abatement measures suggested included a deadline to be met.
The CPCB which had carried out a survey across the polluted industrial clusters of the country had developed a Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI). Ib Valley-Jharsuguda was given a score above 70 making the region heavily polluted.
In its pollution abatement plan, the Board called for creation of a reservoir for storage of mine drainage water and runoff which can be used for industrial purpose. An aluminium smelter plant operating in the close proximity of the Bheden river discharges its water to Hirakud reservoir. Since the smelter plant handles substantial quantity of fluoride-bearing materials, there is an apprehension that it may find its way to the Bheden and contaminate the water.
Besides, during monsoon, run-offs from various stockpiles like coal, minerals, solid waste get discharged to the river Ib, the Bheden and Hirakud reservoir through its feeder streams
Since sewage from Jharsuguda and Brajarajnagar towns are discharged into the Ib river without any treatment causing contamination of river water, the plan suggested a treatment plant for both the towns. All the abatement measures suggested included a deadline to be met.
Dying Rivers
Farmers, fishermen lose livelihood
Amarnath Parida
First Published : 27 Aug 2010 08:41:14 AM IST
Last Updated :
PARADIP: Many rivers, considered the lifeline of Jagatsinghpur, have either dried up or are polluted with industrial waste and sewerage.
The Alaka river that was flowing through Biridi, Jagatsinghpur, Balikuda, Raghunathpur and Nuagaon blocks has completely dried up. The rivers like Chhatagunthi, Gaichara at Biridi, Kathjodi, Sukapaika, Asurkhajoer in Raghunathpur, Balia, Saharapentha, Machiyadiha in Kujang, Magura Mohan in Balikuda and Galani in Nuagaon have met with similar fate. These rivers provided irrigation water to around 776 hectares besides giving fishermen their livelihood.
A vegetable farmer Brundaban Sahoo of Biridi, who owns six acres of land on the banks of the Alaka, used to harvest 300 quintals of paddy and vegetables from his fields 15 years back. But after the river dried up, he has not been able to grow anything in his field. Similar is the fate of fishermen. It is the same story in all the villages that depend on these rivers.
While some rivers have completely dried up, some have narrowed down due to siltation and encroachment.
Recently, the Fishery Department conducted a micro-level survey and estimated Rs 1,139 crore towards renovation, de-weeding, construction of sluice gates on the rivers.
District Fishery Officer Pabitra Behera said the Department had decided to undertake the project to procure 15,000 MT fish by 2015 while last year’s production was 5,226 MT.
Besides, two primary fishermen cooperative societies and four SHGs have taken fiveyear lease to renovate the polluted and dried up rivers at a cost of Rs 2.50 lakh.
Amarnath Parida
First Published : 27 Aug 2010 08:41:14 AM IST
Last Updated :
PARADIP: Many rivers, considered the lifeline of Jagatsinghpur, have either dried up or are polluted with industrial waste and sewerage.
The Alaka river that was flowing through Biridi, Jagatsinghpur, Balikuda, Raghunathpur and Nuagaon blocks has completely dried up. The rivers like Chhatagunthi, Gaichara at Biridi, Kathjodi, Sukapaika, Asurkhajoer in Raghunathpur, Balia, Saharapentha, Machiyadiha in Kujang, Magura Mohan in Balikuda and Galani in Nuagaon have met with similar fate. These rivers provided irrigation water to around 776 hectares besides giving fishermen their livelihood.
A vegetable farmer Brundaban Sahoo of Biridi, who owns six acres of land on the banks of the Alaka, used to harvest 300 quintals of paddy and vegetables from his fields 15 years back. But after the river dried up, he has not been able to grow anything in his field. Similar is the fate of fishermen. It is the same story in all the villages that depend on these rivers.
While some rivers have completely dried up, some have narrowed down due to siltation and encroachment.
Recently, the Fishery Department conducted a micro-level survey and estimated Rs 1,139 crore towards renovation, de-weeding, construction of sluice gates on the rivers.
District Fishery Officer Pabitra Behera said the Department had decided to undertake the project to procure 15,000 MT fish by 2015 while last year’s production was 5,226 MT.
Besides, two primary fishermen cooperative societies and four SHGs have taken fiveyear lease to renovate the polluted and dried up rivers at a cost of Rs 2.50 lakh.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Vamshadhara-river erosion
Steps afoot to save villages from erosion
Staff Reporter
BERHAMPUR: Efforts have been initiated to save villages in Kasinagar block and Kasinagar town of Gajapati district from increasing erosive action of the Vansadhara river.
Villages of Khandaba, Budora and Kidigaon panchayats as well as the Kasinagar Notified Area Council (NAC) are facing floods and extreme erosion since past few years. As per the localites, the erosive action of the Vansadhara river in their area is more following construction of spurs and embankments on the Andhra Pradesh side of the river in this interstate border area.
Since past many years people have been demanding construction of guard walls to save the villages of three panchayats and Kasinagar town from the wrath of the Vansadhara river which is rapidly changing its course in this area during floods in monsoon.
Speaking to The Hindu, K. Narayana Rao, MLA of Paralakhemundi, says the State government has sanctioned Rs. 10 crores to save these areas from the erosive action of the river. Under this project, strong guard walls will be built near 14 villages identified to be facing erosion of the river. Guard wall will also be built near Kasinagar town to save it from the floods and erosion of the Vansadahara river. In total, more than five km of guard wall will be constructed in the area. It may be noted that 18 km stretch of the river is facing severe erosion in the area. But efforts are on to save the human habitats first. Tender process for this project is almost complete and the construction work will start after the rainy season, says Mr. Rao.
Staff Reporter
BERHAMPUR: Efforts have been initiated to save villages in Kasinagar block and Kasinagar town of Gajapati district from increasing erosive action of the Vansadhara river.
Villages of Khandaba, Budora and Kidigaon panchayats as well as the Kasinagar Notified Area Council (NAC) are facing floods and extreme erosion since past few years. As per the localites, the erosive action of the Vansadhara river in their area is more following construction of spurs and embankments on the Andhra Pradesh side of the river in this interstate border area.
Since past many years people have been demanding construction of guard walls to save the villages of three panchayats and Kasinagar town from the wrath of the Vansadhara river which is rapidly changing its course in this area during floods in monsoon.
Speaking to The Hindu, K. Narayana Rao, MLA of Paralakhemundi, says the State government has sanctioned Rs. 10 crores to save these areas from the erosive action of the river. Under this project, strong guard walls will be built near 14 villages identified to be facing erosion of the river. Guard wall will also be built near Kasinagar town to save it from the floods and erosion of the Vansadahara river. In total, more than five km of guard wall will be constructed in the area. It may be noted that 18 km stretch of the river is facing severe erosion in the area. But efforts are on to save the human habitats first. Tender process for this project is almost complete and the construction work will start after the rainy season, says Mr. Rao.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Urban Water Supply
Govt set to plug overflowing taps
- Awareness drive to pay fine and legalise water connections
SUBHASHISH MOHANTY
When several districts in the state is facing drought-like situation, citizens in Bhubaneswar show no concern to save water. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee
Bhubaneswar, Aug. 22: Believe it or not. Nearly 100 million litre of water gets wasted in the city everyday.
Bhubaneswar is one of the few cities in the country where the water supply capacity is almost double its requirement.
Though the city’s requires 160 million litres of water daily, the public health engineering department has the capacity to supply 260 million litres of water everyday.
“Nearly 100 million litres of water gets wasted everyday because of lack of awareness among the people on the use of water,” said M.R. Nanda, executive engineer of Bhubaneswar city. Officials said it could be stopped if the state government plans to introduce water metre.
The officials said that though the government had mooted the idea to introduce water metre, it has so far refrained from implementing the scheme fearing public backlash.
At present, Bhubaneswar gets water from Mahanadi, Daya and Kuakhai rivers. While 125 million litres of water is being taken everyday from Kuakhai, 20 million litres is drawn from Daya and 60 million litres from Mahanadi. The rest is sourced from underground water sources and small streams.
In a bid to crack down on illegal water connections, the public health engineering department has regularised 819 unauthorised connections during the last seven days in the city.
“We have collected Rs 15 lakh by converting unauthorised connections into regular ones. The money has been collected under the amnesty scheme that ended on Friday. Though the amnesty scheme has ended, there are several other schemes that the people can avail and take benefit from,” said Nanda.
He further added that all attempts had been made to regularise illegal water connections. Though it is very difficult to ascertain the exact number of illegal connections, Bhubaneswar has 61,000 regular connection points. Over the last two years, the number of regular water connections has jumped from 54,000 to 61,000.
One connection point can provide water to more than 400 households. “The entire campus of Utkal University is considered a single connection,” he said.
To reach out to the masses and create awareness among the people, the public health engineering department has started a water connection mela.
“We visit a particular area on public holidays so that people can take benefit of our awareness campaigns. At these camps, local residents can regularise their unauthorised connections by paying a fine of Rs 500,” he added.
Earlier, one had to wait for nearly 20-30 days to get a new connection. Now one can get a connection by paying Rs 3,060 even in instalments to get an authorised connection. “The monthly average collection of the waste cess is around Rs 1.20 core,” Nanda added.
- Awareness drive to pay fine and legalise water connections
SUBHASHISH MOHANTY
When several districts in the state is facing drought-like situation, citizens in Bhubaneswar show no concern to save water. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee
Bhubaneswar, Aug. 22: Believe it or not. Nearly 100 million litre of water gets wasted in the city everyday.
Bhubaneswar is one of the few cities in the country where the water supply capacity is almost double its requirement.
Though the city’s requires 160 million litres of water daily, the public health engineering department has the capacity to supply 260 million litres of water everyday.
“Nearly 100 million litres of water gets wasted everyday because of lack of awareness among the people on the use of water,” said M.R. Nanda, executive engineer of Bhubaneswar city. Officials said it could be stopped if the state government plans to introduce water metre.
The officials said that though the government had mooted the idea to introduce water metre, it has so far refrained from implementing the scheme fearing public backlash.
At present, Bhubaneswar gets water from Mahanadi, Daya and Kuakhai rivers. While 125 million litres of water is being taken everyday from Kuakhai, 20 million litres is drawn from Daya and 60 million litres from Mahanadi. The rest is sourced from underground water sources and small streams.
In a bid to crack down on illegal water connections, the public health engineering department has regularised 819 unauthorised connections during the last seven days in the city.
“We have collected Rs 15 lakh by converting unauthorised connections into regular ones. The money has been collected under the amnesty scheme that ended on Friday. Though the amnesty scheme has ended, there are several other schemes that the people can avail and take benefit from,” said Nanda.
He further added that all attempts had been made to regularise illegal water connections. Though it is very difficult to ascertain the exact number of illegal connections, Bhubaneswar has 61,000 regular connection points. Over the last two years, the number of regular water connections has jumped from 54,000 to 61,000.
One connection point can provide water to more than 400 households. “The entire campus of Utkal University is considered a single connection,” he said.
To reach out to the masses and create awareness among the people, the public health engineering department has started a water connection mela.
“We visit a particular area on public holidays so that people can take benefit of our awareness campaigns. At these camps, local residents can regularise their unauthorised connections by paying a fine of Rs 500,” he added.
Earlier, one had to wait for nearly 20-30 days to get a new connection. Now one can get a connection by paying Rs 3,060 even in instalments to get an authorised connection. “The monthly average collection of the waste cess is around Rs 1.20 core,” Nanda added.
Oil Spill in Brahmani!
Oil layer in Brahmani worries people on the bank
Express News Service
First Published : 23 Aug 2010 10:20:28 AM IST
Last Updated : 23 Aug 2010 11:51:39 AM IST
TALCHER: A Layer of oil and dust on the water of the river Brahmani has led to panic among the people living upstream of Samal barrage.
A blue coloured oil layer is clearly visible upstream of Samal barrage upto 10 km, informed villagers of Seepur and Durgapur, located on the banks of the river. Every bucket of water drawn from the river contains oil, they alleged.
The villagers, to their surprise, also find the water warm like in summer which is unusual during this time of the year. Some others complained of fly ash polluting the air.
But none points to any particular industry for the pollution. They apprehend that oil leakages from industries in the localities may be a factor.
The restive villagers said this poses serious health hazard to human and animal lives.
They have threatened to take to the streets if the administration and pollution control board fail to address the issue immediately.
District BJP president Asoke Mohanty has urged Orissa State Pollution Control Board authorities and district administration to take immediate action against errant industries and check such pollution.
Express News Service
First Published : 23 Aug 2010 10:20:28 AM IST
Last Updated : 23 Aug 2010 11:51:39 AM IST
TALCHER: A Layer of oil and dust on the water of the river Brahmani has led to panic among the people living upstream of Samal barrage.
A blue coloured oil layer is clearly visible upstream of Samal barrage upto 10 km, informed villagers of Seepur and Durgapur, located on the banks of the river. Every bucket of water drawn from the river contains oil, they alleged.
The villagers, to their surprise, also find the water warm like in summer which is unusual during this time of the year. Some others complained of fly ash polluting the air.
But none points to any particular industry for the pollution. They apprehend that oil leakages from industries in the localities may be a factor.
The restive villagers said this poses serious health hazard to human and animal lives.
They have threatened to take to the streets if the administration and pollution control board fail to address the issue immediately.
District BJP president Asoke Mohanty has urged Orissa State Pollution Control Board authorities and district administration to take immediate action against errant industries and check such pollution.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Polavarm Politics
Orissa CM Naveen Patnaik to meet Prime Minister over Polavaram, Posco, Vedanta issue
Report by Orissa Diary correspondent; Bhubaneswar: The Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will leave for New Delhi on Sunday. He will meet the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh over the Polavaram (Indira Sagar ) issue Chief Minister. The state government has been opposing the Polavaram project over river Godavari by Andhra Pradesh government as it claims that it would submerge many areas of Malkangiri district of Orissa. Besides this, the Chief Minister will also discuss with the Prime Minister regarding the NC Saxena Committee report on Posco and Vedanta.
Raising doubts on the impartiality of the Centre, the state government had earlier questioned the blockage of Posco project and Vedanta at the same time when it has approved the Polavaram Dam without conducting Gram Sabhas and public hearings in the state.
Moreover, the Environment Ministry has recently given its green signal to divert over 3,000 hectares of forest land for the construction of Indira Sagar (Polavaram) multi-purpose project.
Report by Orissa Diary correspondent; Bhubaneswar: The Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will leave for New Delhi on Sunday. He will meet the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh over the Polavaram (Indira Sagar ) issue Chief Minister. The state government has been opposing the Polavaram project over river Godavari by Andhra Pradesh government as it claims that it would submerge many areas of Malkangiri district of Orissa. Besides this, the Chief Minister will also discuss with the Prime Minister regarding the NC Saxena Committee report on Posco and Vedanta.
Raising doubts on the impartiality of the Centre, the state government had earlier questioned the blockage of Posco project and Vedanta at the same time when it has approved the Polavaram Dam without conducting Gram Sabhas and public hearings in the state.
Moreover, the Environment Ministry has recently given its green signal to divert over 3,000 hectares of forest land for the construction of Indira Sagar (Polavaram) multi-purpose project.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Politics around Polavaram
Orissa Congress MPs to oppose Polavaram Project
Report by Dipti Ranjan Kanungo; Bhubaneswar: Politics makes strange bedfellows! It seems that Congress and BJD members are now in unison over the Polavaram issue. It is evident from the fact that Nabrangpur Congress MP and State Youth Congress President Pradeep Majhi is now joint hands with ruling BJD to oppose the multi-purpose Polavaram Project on river Godavari.
On Thursday Sri Majhi praised the oppose to the Polavaram Project and expressed that he will oppose the project till fulfill their demands. He further expressed that the Andhra Pradesh government is constructing the Polavaram project in the border of Malkangiri district. If the Project will be constructed , at least 28 villages and 15thousand Acres of land will be submerged. The innocent tribals and scheduled castes will be affected by this project. The areas which will be submerged are my areas. I will never leave it .
Pradeep Majhi who represents the tribal face of Nabrangpur as Lok Sabha member has joined the widespread protest in the state for the proposed Polavaram project which would divert over 3,000 hectares of forest land for the construction of the Indira Sagar (Polavaram) multi-purpose project.
He would raise voice against the Centre’s decision to grant eco clearance to the project if there is possible submersion .
Earlier on Wednesday, BJD MPs staged a demonstration near the Gandhi statue in the Parliament premises to protest the environmental clearance given to Polavaram. The parliamentarians alleged that the double standards adopted by Ministry of Environment and Forests have been exposed. The ministry has permitted eco NOD to the project within a fortnight without considering Orissa’s concerns.
On the other hand, Congress MP Bhakta Das who on Wednesday asked the BJD MPs not to politicalise the issue . It was a support to the Andhra Pradesh government but he has expressed that it will be opposed, if any village will be submerged by the Project.
Report by Dipti Ranjan Kanungo; Bhubaneswar: Politics makes strange bedfellows! It seems that Congress and BJD members are now in unison over the Polavaram issue. It is evident from the fact that Nabrangpur Congress MP and State Youth Congress President Pradeep Majhi is now joint hands with ruling BJD to oppose the multi-purpose Polavaram Project on river Godavari.
On Thursday Sri Majhi praised the oppose to the Polavaram Project and expressed that he will oppose the project till fulfill their demands. He further expressed that the Andhra Pradesh government is constructing the Polavaram project in the border of Malkangiri district. If the Project will be constructed , at least 28 villages and 15thousand Acres of land will be submerged. The innocent tribals and scheduled castes will be affected by this project. The areas which will be submerged are my areas. I will never leave it .
Pradeep Majhi who represents the tribal face of Nabrangpur as Lok Sabha member has joined the widespread protest in the state for the proposed Polavaram project which would divert over 3,000 hectares of forest land for the construction of the Indira Sagar (Polavaram) multi-purpose project.
He would raise voice against the Centre’s decision to grant eco clearance to the project if there is possible submersion .
Earlier on Wednesday, BJD MPs staged a demonstration near the Gandhi statue in the Parliament premises to protest the environmental clearance given to Polavaram. The parliamentarians alleged that the double standards adopted by Ministry of Environment and Forests have been exposed. The ministry has permitted eco NOD to the project within a fortnight without considering Orissa’s concerns.
On the other hand, Congress MP Bhakta Das who on Wednesday asked the BJD MPs not to politicalise the issue . It was a support to the Andhra Pradesh government but he has expressed that it will be opposed, if any village will be submerged by the Project.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Linking Mahanadi with Rushikulya
Panda demands linking of rivers in Orissa
PTI
Berhampur (Orissa), Aug 11 (PTI) Demanding quick steps to link Rushikulya and Mahanadi rivers in Orissa, former deputy speaker of the state assembly Ram Chandra Panda has asked the Central Water Commission (CWC) to implement the long-standing proposal for the benefit the people of southern region."I have impressed upon the CWC about the benefits of linking the two rivers", he said.After seeing the project report, the CWC had assured him to look into the project, he claimed adding that he had submitted a memorandum to the CWC in this regard.The connectivity between Mahanadi and Rushikulya and construction of a barrage near Dasapalla would not only solve the perennial drinking water crisis of Berhampur town but would also help the farmers in Ganjam district by creating additional irrigation facilities, the BJP leader said.Panda, chairman of Rushikulya Banchao Manch (RBM), the outfit spearheading an agitation in support of linking the two rivers with River Bansadhara as well, said state government had promised to implant the project, but later abandoned it.Major portion of Rushikulya flows through Ganjam district and the Mahanadi through Cuttack district. River Vansadhara flows in Gajapati and Rayagada districts.Connecting the three rivers would also solve the frequent floods in river Vansadhara in Rayagada and Gajapati districts, he said.Stating that he had been demanding connectivity between Rushikulya and Mahanadi since 2000, Panda said the then prime minister Atal Behari Bajpayee had appreciated the proposal when he was apprised about it. Panda had made a detailed project report through a retired chief engineer of irrigation department.
PTI
Berhampur (Orissa), Aug 11 (PTI) Demanding quick steps to link Rushikulya and Mahanadi rivers in Orissa, former deputy speaker of the state assembly Ram Chandra Panda has asked the Central Water Commission (CWC) to implement the long-standing proposal for the benefit the people of southern region."I have impressed upon the CWC about the benefits of linking the two rivers", he said.After seeing the project report, the CWC had assured him to look into the project, he claimed adding that he had submitted a memorandum to the CWC in this regard.The connectivity between Mahanadi and Rushikulya and construction of a barrage near Dasapalla would not only solve the perennial drinking water crisis of Berhampur town but would also help the farmers in Ganjam district by creating additional irrigation facilities, the BJP leader said.Panda, chairman of Rushikulya Banchao Manch (RBM), the outfit spearheading an agitation in support of linking the two rivers with River Bansadhara as well, said state government had promised to implant the project, but later abandoned it.Major portion of Rushikulya flows through Ganjam district and the Mahanadi through Cuttack district. River Vansadhara flows in Gajapati and Rayagada districts.Connecting the three rivers would also solve the frequent floods in river Vansadhara in Rayagada and Gajapati districts, he said.Stating that he had been demanding connectivity between Rushikulya and Mahanadi since 2000, Panda said the then prime minister Atal Behari Bajpayee had appreciated the proposal when he was apprised about it. Panda had made a detailed project report through a retired chief engineer of irrigation department.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Orissa demands withdrawal of clearance to Polavaram project
Orissa demands withdrawal of clearance to Polavaram project
Bhubaneswar, Aug 9 – Orissa Monday said it has asked the central environment and forests ministry to withdraw clearance to the Polavaram project on river Godavari in Andhra Pradesh.
‘While granting the approval, the ministry has totally ignored the interest of Orissa,’ state Water Resources Secretary S.C. Mohapatra told IANS.
Orissa government moved the Supreme Court after the ministry first granted interim approval to the project in 2008. ‘When the case is still pending in the court, we are surprised how the ministry granted final approval,’ he said.
The state government is also unhappy the way the clearance was given without consulting the people in Orissa and Chhattisgarh who would be affected by the project, he said.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as well as Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh seeking withdrawal of the permission, Mohapatra said, adding he had himself written a letter to the environment and forests secretary.
The Andhra Pradesh government says the Rs.10,150-crore project will provide drinking water to 2.85 million people, produce 960 MW of power and give industry 23,500 million cubic feet of water.
The project first envisioned by the British rulers in 1941 has, however, been facing opposition since decades from local residents who fear displacement, as well as from Orissa and Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh and Orissa fear that after completion of the project, in case of floods, the back water of the Godavari will flow to its tributaries Saberi and Sileru in Orissa and Chhattisgarh and submerge dozens of bordering villages.
Andhra Pradesh said it will put embankments on the river but Orissa officials said that is not the solution.
The central environment and forests ministry gave the final clearance for diversion of 3,731.07 hectares of forest land last month for the project on condition that no submergence of forest land should take place in Orissa and Chhattisgarh.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 9 – Orissa Monday said it has asked the central environment and forests ministry to withdraw clearance to the Polavaram project on river Godavari in Andhra Pradesh.
‘While granting the approval, the ministry has totally ignored the interest of Orissa,’ state Water Resources Secretary S.C. Mohapatra told IANS.
Orissa government moved the Supreme Court after the ministry first granted interim approval to the project in 2008. ‘When the case is still pending in the court, we are surprised how the ministry granted final approval,’ he said.
The state government is also unhappy the way the clearance was given without consulting the people in Orissa and Chhattisgarh who would be affected by the project, he said.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as well as Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh seeking withdrawal of the permission, Mohapatra said, adding he had himself written a letter to the environment and forests secretary.
The Andhra Pradesh government says the Rs.10,150-crore project will provide drinking water to 2.85 million people, produce 960 MW of power and give industry 23,500 million cubic feet of water.
The project first envisioned by the British rulers in 1941 has, however, been facing opposition since decades from local residents who fear displacement, as well as from Orissa and Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh and Orissa fear that after completion of the project, in case of floods, the back water of the Godavari will flow to its tributaries Saberi and Sileru in Orissa and Chhattisgarh and submerge dozens of bordering villages.
Andhra Pradesh said it will put embankments on the river but Orissa officials said that is not the solution.
The central environment and forests ministry gave the final clearance for diversion of 3,731.07 hectares of forest land last month for the project on condition that no submergence of forest land should take place in Orissa and Chhattisgarh.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Government defends ‘water for industries’ stand
Government defends ‘water for industries’ stand
Express News Service
First Published : 06 Aug 2010 07:47:42 AM IST
Last Updated : 06 Aug 2010 12:10:30 PM IST
BHUBANESWAR: The State Government today sought to water down the Opposition charges over use of the Mahanadi water for industries.
Against the backdrop of the agitation against the use of the river water for industrial use picking up steam, an unrelenting government strongly defended its decision to supply water to industries from the river and Hirakud reservoir.
Dismissing Opposition claims that there is insufficient water in Mahanadi as its bed has become swallow due to heavy siltation, Industries Minister Raghunath Mohanty said 66 per cent of water flows down the sea unutilised.
“Only 14 per cent of Mahanadi water is used in monsoon season, while 34 per cent of it is available for use during non-monsoon period,” he said while making a statement in response to a calling attention motion moved by ruling BJD members.
The Minister rejected demand of Mahanadi Banchao Andolan (MBA) for constitution of a commission to examine different aspects of the river water use terming it ‘irrelevant’.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) examines all technical aspects while approving all inter-state irrigation projects. Besides, the State Government has set up a high- level technical committee for better management of the Mahanadi river water and suggesting flood-control measures.
While 7.9 per cent water from the river is given to industries during the non-monsoon season, 12.95 per cent is meant for agriculture and 2.2 per cent for drinking water, he said. Refuting the Opposition charge that the State Government is providing water to industries at the cost of farmers, the Minister said the Centre’s policy on water distribution is being followed. He said drinking water comes first in the priority list followed by ecological and environmental protection, agriculture, hydro electricity projects, industries and tourism.
Mohanty asserted that agriculture has been given priority in river water distribution and the State Government would not act against the interest of farmers. There are 17 reservoirs, including Hirakud, on Mahanadi while six more large and medium reservoirs are under construction.
After the completion of these projects, expected in 2014, 15 per cent of water flowing into the sea can be utilised, he said.
He said agreements have been signed with 35 industries for supply of water from the Naraj barrage. Only eight are drawing water from the barrage at present.
Similarly, 14 industries have been allowed to draw water from the Hirakud reservoir, he said. Quoting a CWC report in 2007, the Minister said 0.500 million acre feet Mahanadi water could be used in industries. “Now industries use only 0.0785 million acre feet of water which is much less than the recommended supply,” he said.
Express News Service
First Published : 06 Aug 2010 07:47:42 AM IST
Last Updated : 06 Aug 2010 12:10:30 PM IST
BHUBANESWAR: The State Government today sought to water down the Opposition charges over use of the Mahanadi water for industries.
Against the backdrop of the agitation against the use of the river water for industrial use picking up steam, an unrelenting government strongly defended its decision to supply water to industries from the river and Hirakud reservoir.
Dismissing Opposition claims that there is insufficient water in Mahanadi as its bed has become swallow due to heavy siltation, Industries Minister Raghunath Mohanty said 66 per cent of water flows down the sea unutilised.
“Only 14 per cent of Mahanadi water is used in monsoon season, while 34 per cent of it is available for use during non-monsoon period,” he said while making a statement in response to a calling attention motion moved by ruling BJD members.
The Minister rejected demand of Mahanadi Banchao Andolan (MBA) for constitution of a commission to examine different aspects of the river water use terming it ‘irrelevant’.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) examines all technical aspects while approving all inter-state irrigation projects. Besides, the State Government has set up a high- level technical committee for better management of the Mahanadi river water and suggesting flood-control measures.
While 7.9 per cent water from the river is given to industries during the non-monsoon season, 12.95 per cent is meant for agriculture and 2.2 per cent for drinking water, he said. Refuting the Opposition charge that the State Government is providing water to industries at the cost of farmers, the Minister said the Centre’s policy on water distribution is being followed. He said drinking water comes first in the priority list followed by ecological and environmental protection, agriculture, hydro electricity projects, industries and tourism.
Mohanty asserted that agriculture has been given priority in river water distribution and the State Government would not act against the interest of farmers. There are 17 reservoirs, including Hirakud, on Mahanadi while six more large and medium reservoirs are under construction.
After the completion of these projects, expected in 2014, 15 per cent of water flowing into the sea can be utilised, he said.
He said agreements have been signed with 35 industries for supply of water from the Naraj barrage. Only eight are drawing water from the barrage at present.
Similarly, 14 industries have been allowed to draw water from the Hirakud reservoir, he said. Quoting a CWC report in 2007, the Minister said 0.500 million acre feet Mahanadi water could be used in industries. “Now industries use only 0.0785 million acre feet of water which is much less than the recommended supply,” he said.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Environmental Flows: Free-flowing rivers around the world
Environmental Flows: Free-flowing rivers around the world - Parineeta Dandekar of Gomukh Trust, Pune
First in a new series of articles that India Water Portal will host on various aspects of Environmental Flows
First in a new series of articles that India Water Portal will host on various aspects of Environmental Flows
Industry cloud on river water
Industry cloud on river water
Bhubaneswar, July 14: The debate over industries polluting water bodies notwithstanding, yet another integrated steel plant (ISP) has been proposed in the over-polluted Jharsuguda-Sambalpur belt. The latest project is likely to take further toll on Mahanadi and its tributaries.
The mini ISP of Raipur Iron and Steel Company Private Limited at Kirarama in Lakhanpur block of Jharsuguda district would draw 4,500 cubic metres of water daily from Ib, a major tributary of Mahanadi, for the production of sponge iron, MS billets and TMT bars. The unit would also generate 33MW of power besides having a coal washery. With at least seven major industries, including two integrated steel plants and coal mines located within a 10km radius of the project site, civil society members apprehend not only a threat to the flow of rivers like Ib, Bheden and Mahanadi catering to the drinking water and irrigation needs of around five lakh people but also a significant rise in the pollution levels.
“The Sambalpur-Jharsuguda belt is already overloaded with industries with even the Central Pollution Control Board advising against the setting up of new units in the area without a proper carrying capacity study. One wonders as to why the government is in such a hurry to set up new industries in this region where pollution keeps growing and all rivers are under tremendous pressure,” said Ranjan Panda, the convener of Water Initiatives Orissa, a non-profit.
Pointing out that around 70 small and big industries operate in the area, Panda said the impact of rampant industrialisation has been felt by almost all the rivers, including Mahanadi, Ib and Beheden, with their flow drastically reduced. “The drop in their flow has been around 30 per cent which is quite significant considering they cater to the needs of a large population,” added the expert.
He said barring monsoon, the rivers were not even able to maintain their minimum ecological flow, having a bad impact on agriculture. Quite a few of these industries have also been tapping water from the riverbeds on the sly. While unauthorised drawl of water is a fact admitted even by officials, in the absence of a water audit, authentic data in this regard is hard to acquire.
Lashing out at the government for allowing more and more industries to come up in the area, convener of Paschim Orissa Krushak Sangathan Samanvaya Samiti Lingraj said a crisis seems approaching for the local fishing community.
“Lakhanpur block, where the new unit is coming up, has a sizeable fishing population that would face a threat with heavy drawal of water from Ib. Growing pressure on Hirakud reservoir has made things difficult for the community in its periphery areas. The government must review its industrial policy immediately in the larger interest of the people,” added Lingraj.
Source: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100715/jsp/orissa/story_12683942.jsp
Bhubaneswar, July 14: The debate over industries polluting water bodies notwithstanding, yet another integrated steel plant (ISP) has been proposed in the over-polluted Jharsuguda-Sambalpur belt. The latest project is likely to take further toll on Mahanadi and its tributaries.
The mini ISP of Raipur Iron and Steel Company Private Limited at Kirarama in Lakhanpur block of Jharsuguda district would draw 4,500 cubic metres of water daily from Ib, a major tributary of Mahanadi, for the production of sponge iron, MS billets and TMT bars. The unit would also generate 33MW of power besides having a coal washery. With at least seven major industries, including two integrated steel plants and coal mines located within a 10km radius of the project site, civil society members apprehend not only a threat to the flow of rivers like Ib, Bheden and Mahanadi catering to the drinking water and irrigation needs of around five lakh people but also a significant rise in the pollution levels.
“The Sambalpur-Jharsuguda belt is already overloaded with industries with even the Central Pollution Control Board advising against the setting up of new units in the area without a proper carrying capacity study. One wonders as to why the government is in such a hurry to set up new industries in this region where pollution keeps growing and all rivers are under tremendous pressure,” said Ranjan Panda, the convener of Water Initiatives Orissa, a non-profit.
Pointing out that around 70 small and big industries operate in the area, Panda said the impact of rampant industrialisation has been felt by almost all the rivers, including Mahanadi, Ib and Beheden, with their flow drastically reduced. “The drop in their flow has been around 30 per cent which is quite significant considering they cater to the needs of a large population,” added the expert.
He said barring monsoon, the rivers were not even able to maintain their minimum ecological flow, having a bad impact on agriculture. Quite a few of these industries have also been tapping water from the riverbeds on the sly. While unauthorised drawl of water is a fact admitted even by officials, in the absence of a water audit, authentic data in this regard is hard to acquire.
Lashing out at the government for allowing more and more industries to come up in the area, convener of Paschim Orissa Krushak Sangathan Samanvaya Samiti Lingraj said a crisis seems approaching for the local fishing community.
“Lakhanpur block, where the new unit is coming up, has a sizeable fishing population that would face a threat with heavy drawal of water from Ib. Growing pressure on Hirakud reservoir has made things difficult for the community in its periphery areas. The government must review its industrial policy immediately in the larger interest of the people,” added Lingraj.
Source: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100715/jsp/orissa/story_12683942.jsp
Is the Mahanadi Water going to sea not used/unutilized/waste?
Is the Mahanadi Water going to sea not used/unutilized/waste?
Over last two days (Aug 5th and 6th), two Senior Ministers of the State have made two different yet significant remarks (see news link below) about water allocation from the Mahanadi- but both have made the same argument that water which goes to sea in the Mahanadi is not used/utilized or has no users. It is a dangerous thinking, almost toeing the line of Engineering (an economic) paradigm of river management which believes that water going (or draining!) to sea is a waste and therefore there should be as many storages and diversions as possible and that such waters stored/channelized should be put to economic uses.
However, it is now a fact that such paradigm has lead to disastrous consequences leading to close river basins (viz. Krishna), more floods, depletion of mangroves, stopping of formation of delta, ingression of salinity, dwindling aquatic biodiversity, losing of fishermen’s livelihoods, destruction of river-bank livelihoods including agriculture apart from negative implications on culture. It is quite surprising that, while dams are being decommissioned, environmental flows (not in the line, dominant thinking in India i.e. allowing about 15% of to flow in the river as environmental flow and abstracting others for economic use) and living (and undammed) rivers are becoming symbols of future river management elsewhere in the World, our decision makers are tirelessly defending the failed paradigms.
A river lives when it flows. It has to flow to remain live. By flowing a river
o flushes its channels (doesn’t allow sedimentation and rising of river beds),
o recharge sub-surface water (there is a saying that below every river, another sub-surface river runs),
o supports aquatic fauna including fisheries and livelihoods around them
o support riparian habitats through river-bank livelihoods
o creates delta/flood plains (through overflowing and spreading silt)
People living in Mahanadi delta don’t require to be told about its dwindling flows, increased sedimentation of the river bed, increasing flood damages, increasing threats of saline ingression and change in tidal patterns, reduction of aquatic biodiversity and fish catches so on and so forth. In stead of substantiating allocation to industry by making such statements about how much water is draining unused to sea, what is required is instituting scientific investigations into these changes, which unless taken up now, can lead us to points of no return, the way our industrial development ambitions are expanding.
There is also another statistical dimension to these figures quoted by our Ministers, which requires closer scrutiny. While Industries minister says 67% of Mahanadi water (Is it total Mahanadi water?) flowing to sea unused, Agriculture Minister says 66% of Water from Jobra (others going to Taldanda and Machhgaon) canal flows to the sea. These two statements are not same, as one tells about whole Mahanadi without reference to any points and another point to allocations at Jobra. Civil society must also know the sources of these data and methodology followed to triangulate the figures.
There are many figures floating around concerning water allocation to industries. While they could be true as per the agreements signed with WRD, exact amount taken is often difficult to know with allegations about higher withdrawal. This is due to the fact that most of the industries are drawing water from reservoir or barrage directly in contrast to agriculture which is provided through canals (canal allocation can be easily verified from daily flow in cusec/cumec from canal head). Therefore it is very important to have regulatory mechanism in place to monitor extraction by industry or simply putting a ban on their extraction from reservoir/barrage and asking them to take through other sources. After all, no major reservoir and barrage was ever constructed out of public money with an objective to allocating water to profit-making private concerns.
In the allocation debate, often a critical issue like ‘pollution’ of rivers by industry get lost. It must be kept in mind, Industry not only take good water in bulk from best sources, but also put its worst water back into our lifelines. We must not forget that the first ever ‘environmental movement’ in Orissa was fought around this very issue way back in 1950s by l ate Sradhakar Supker, who had filed a petition before court to save river IB and Mahanadi from pollution caused by Orient Paper Mill of Brajaraj Nagar, even before Hirakud Dam was built.
Civil society must rise to engage itself more closely, critically and also strategically in this whole debate about water allocations and use – be it prioritization through policy, execution through agreements or monitoring and regulation.
News Links
Orissa defends water supplies to industries
Says 67 percent of Mahanadi water flows into the sea as there is no user
PTI | Bhubaneswar | August 05 2010
http://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/orissa-defends-water-supplies-industries
Agriculture Minister bats for industries
Express News Service
First Published : 04 Aug 2010 05:14:47 AM IST
Last Updated : 04 Aug 2010 12:12:44 PM IST
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/agriculture-minister-bats-for-industries/195367.html
Over last two days (Aug 5th and 6th), two Senior Ministers of the State have made two different yet significant remarks (see news link below) about water allocation from the Mahanadi- but both have made the same argument that water which goes to sea in the Mahanadi is not used/utilized or has no users. It is a dangerous thinking, almost toeing the line of Engineering (an economic) paradigm of river management which believes that water going (or draining!) to sea is a waste and therefore there should be as many storages and diversions as possible and that such waters stored/channelized should be put to economic uses.
However, it is now a fact that such paradigm has lead to disastrous consequences leading to close river basins (viz. Krishna), more floods, depletion of mangroves, stopping of formation of delta, ingression of salinity, dwindling aquatic biodiversity, losing of fishermen’s livelihoods, destruction of river-bank livelihoods including agriculture apart from negative implications on culture. It is quite surprising that, while dams are being decommissioned, environmental flows (not in the line, dominant thinking in India i.e. allowing about 15% of to flow in the river as environmental flow and abstracting others for economic use) and living (and undammed) rivers are becoming symbols of future river management elsewhere in the World, our decision makers are tirelessly defending the failed paradigms.
A river lives when it flows. It has to flow to remain live. By flowing a river
o flushes its channels (doesn’t allow sedimentation and rising of river beds),
o recharge sub-surface water (there is a saying that below every river, another sub-surface river runs),
o supports aquatic fauna including fisheries and livelihoods around them
o support riparian habitats through river-bank livelihoods
o creates delta/flood plains (through overflowing and spreading silt)
People living in Mahanadi delta don’t require to be told about its dwindling flows, increased sedimentation of the river bed, increasing flood damages, increasing threats of saline ingression and change in tidal patterns, reduction of aquatic biodiversity and fish catches so on and so forth. In stead of substantiating allocation to industry by making such statements about how much water is draining unused to sea, what is required is instituting scientific investigations into these changes, which unless taken up now, can lead us to points of no return, the way our industrial development ambitions are expanding.
There is also another statistical dimension to these figures quoted by our Ministers, which requires closer scrutiny. While Industries minister says 67% of Mahanadi water (Is it total Mahanadi water?) flowing to sea unused, Agriculture Minister says 66% of Water from Jobra (others going to Taldanda and Machhgaon) canal flows to the sea. These two statements are not same, as one tells about whole Mahanadi without reference to any points and another point to allocations at Jobra. Civil society must also know the sources of these data and methodology followed to triangulate the figures.
There are many figures floating around concerning water allocation to industries. While they could be true as per the agreements signed with WRD, exact amount taken is often difficult to know with allegations about higher withdrawal. This is due to the fact that most of the industries are drawing water from reservoir or barrage directly in contrast to agriculture which is provided through canals (canal allocation can be easily verified from daily flow in cusec/cumec from canal head). Therefore it is very important to have regulatory mechanism in place to monitor extraction by industry or simply putting a ban on their extraction from reservoir/barrage and asking them to take through other sources. After all, no major reservoir and barrage was ever constructed out of public money with an objective to allocating water to profit-making private concerns.
In the allocation debate, often a critical issue like ‘pollution’ of rivers by industry get lost. It must be kept in mind, Industry not only take good water in bulk from best sources, but also put its worst water back into our lifelines. We must not forget that the first ever ‘environmental movement’ in Orissa was fought around this very issue way back in 1950s by l ate Sradhakar Supker, who had filed a petition before court to save river IB and Mahanadi from pollution caused by Orient Paper Mill of Brajaraj Nagar, even before Hirakud Dam was built.
Civil society must rise to engage itself more closely, critically and also strategically in this whole debate about water allocations and use – be it prioritization through policy, execution through agreements or monitoring and regulation.
News Links
Orissa defends water supplies to industries
Says 67 percent of Mahanadi water flows into the sea as there is no user
PTI | Bhubaneswar | August 05 2010
http://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/orissa-defends-water-supplies-industries
Agriculture Minister bats for industries
Express News Service
First Published : 04 Aug 2010 05:14:47 AM IST
Last Updated : 04 Aug 2010 12:12:44 PM IST
http://expressbuzz.com/states/orissa/agriculture-minister-bats-for-industries/195367.html
Sunday, August 1, 2010
MBA for Mahanadi Commission
Formation of Mahanadi Commission demanded
Special Correspondent
Mahanadi Bachao Andolan submits memorandum to Governor listing its demands
The river is helping over two crore people in irrigating their land, they say
State's decision to allow companies to draw water opposed
BHUBANESWAR: The Mahanadi Bachao Andolan, a Cuttack-based people's organisation opposing diversion of water from river Mahanadi to various industries, on Saturday urged Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare to constitute a Mahanadi Commission to conduct a detailed survey on the existing condition of the river and the Hirakud Dam.
A delegation headed by Convener of the Andolan Gouranga Charan Hota met the Governor at the Raj Bhavan here and submitted a memorandum listing their demands.
The Commission, which should be an independent body with necessary powers, should be asked to come out with details on the method of water conservation, distribution, power generation, irrigation, drinking water and existing level of ground water including the steps to arrest the decay of the river and the dam, the Andolan said in its memorandum.
Pending the findings of the Commission, all the agreements signed by the State Government with various industrial houses to draw water from Mahanadi and Hirakud dam, and barrages at Jobra and Naraj should be cancelled with immediate effect, the Andolan demanded.
Apart from Mr. Hota, other members of the delegation include former Ministers Bijoy Mohapatra, Panchanan Kanungo and Sameer Dey, former Member of Parliament Narendra Pradhan, former legislator Umesh Swain and BJP leader Dillip Mallick.
They submitted that mindless exploitation and abuse of Mahanadi, the State's prime river, should be forthwith to save the State from a socio-economic disaster.
The river had an imposing presence in 15 of the State's 30 districts through its various tributaries and distributaries helping over two crore people in irrigating their land, they said.
Apart from maintaining a steady ground water level in the areas of her presence, the river also contributes to various other economic activities, they added.
They opposed the State Government's decisions to allow many companies to draw water from the river saying that there was no surplus water at a time when there was not much for drinking and irrigation purposes.
Special Correspondent
Mahanadi Bachao Andolan submits memorandum to Governor listing its demands
The river is helping over two crore people in irrigating their land, they say
State's decision to allow companies to draw water opposed
BHUBANESWAR: The Mahanadi Bachao Andolan, a Cuttack-based people's organisation opposing diversion of water from river Mahanadi to various industries, on Saturday urged Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare to constitute a Mahanadi Commission to conduct a detailed survey on the existing condition of the river and the Hirakud Dam.
A delegation headed by Convener of the Andolan Gouranga Charan Hota met the Governor at the Raj Bhavan here and submitted a memorandum listing their demands.
The Commission, which should be an independent body with necessary powers, should be asked to come out with details on the method of water conservation, distribution, power generation, irrigation, drinking water and existing level of ground water including the steps to arrest the decay of the river and the dam, the Andolan said in its memorandum.
Pending the findings of the Commission, all the agreements signed by the State Government with various industrial houses to draw water from Mahanadi and Hirakud dam, and barrages at Jobra and Naraj should be cancelled with immediate effect, the Andolan demanded.
Apart from Mr. Hota, other members of the delegation include former Ministers Bijoy Mohapatra, Panchanan Kanungo and Sameer Dey, former Member of Parliament Narendra Pradhan, former legislator Umesh Swain and BJP leader Dillip Mallick.
They submitted that mindless exploitation and abuse of Mahanadi, the State's prime river, should be forthwith to save the State from a socio-economic disaster.
The river had an imposing presence in 15 of the State's 30 districts through its various tributaries and distributaries helping over two crore people in irrigating their land, they said.
Apart from maintaining a steady ground water level in the areas of her presence, the river also contributes to various other economic activities, they added.
They opposed the State Government's decisions to allow many companies to draw water from the river saying that there was no surplus water at a time when there was not much for drinking and irrigation purposes.
Mahanadi Banchao Andolan appeals the Governor
Governor''s intervention sought for setting up river panel
PTI
Bhubaneswar, Aug 1 (PTI) Intensifying the campaign against supply of river water to industries, a group of agitators have sought the Orissa Governor's intervention for formation of Mahanadi Commission to conduct a detailed survey on the river's health before diverting water.In a memorandum to Governor M C Bhandare, protesters under the banner of Mahanadi Banchao Andolan (MBA) said immediate steps must be taken for constitution of Mahanadi river commission to study the status of availability of water for various purposes as also the health of Hirakud dam.Describing Mahanadi as the chief source of water for agriculture and irrigation, the memorandum said the proposed commission should suggest steps to check decay of the river and Hirakud reservoir as well as efficient water management.Pending the findings of the panel, all agreements signed by Orissa government with various industries to draw water from Mahanadi, Hirakud reservoir, Jobra and Naraj barrages should be cancelled with immediate effect, it said.The memorandum, signed among others by MBA convenor Gouranga Charan Hota and former ministers Bijay Mohapatra, Samir Dey and Panchanan Kanungo, said the state should ensure water for irrigation to farmers in tail-end areas of Mahanadi river system and various canals before diverting water for industrial use.
PTI
Bhubaneswar, Aug 1 (PTI) Intensifying the campaign against supply of river water to industries, a group of agitators have sought the Orissa Governor's intervention for formation of Mahanadi Commission to conduct a detailed survey on the river's health before diverting water.In a memorandum to Governor M C Bhandare, protesters under the banner of Mahanadi Banchao Andolan (MBA) said immediate steps must be taken for constitution of Mahanadi river commission to study the status of availability of water for various purposes as also the health of Hirakud dam.Describing Mahanadi as the chief source of water for agriculture and irrigation, the memorandum said the proposed commission should suggest steps to check decay of the river and Hirakud reservoir as well as efficient water management.Pending the findings of the panel, all agreements signed by Orissa government with various industries to draw water from Mahanadi, Hirakud reservoir, Jobra and Naraj barrages should be cancelled with immediate effect, it said.The memorandum, signed among others by MBA convenor Gouranga Charan Hota and former ministers Bijay Mohapatra, Samir Dey and Panchanan Kanungo, said the state should ensure water for irrigation to farmers in tail-end areas of Mahanadi river system and various canals before diverting water for industrial use.
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