M A I N   N E W S

Punjab, others oppose River Basin Authority
Vibha Sharma/TNS

New Delhi, May 29
The Centre’s ambitious move to set up a national-level body for integrated development of river basins is facing stiff resistance from various states.

The very first meeting of the newly formed National Forum of Water Resources and Irrigation Ministers on Wednesday, to discuss the controversial National Water Framework Law (NWLS), witnessed opposition from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

The meeting was called to circulate the draft report of the proposed law at the forum formed to seek participation of states in evolving new water policies and laws to reform the heavily exploited water sector.

The closed-door meeting was aimed at circulating the draft NWLS prepared by former Planning Commission member YK Alagh and the report of a committee headed by Justice TS Doabia to study activities required for optimal development of a river basin and changes required in existing River Board Act, 1966.

Sources said many Opposition-ruled states were of the view that the country required a focus on conservation of water. “The River Basin Authority would be a clear infringement of their rights,” they opined. Punjab, which was represented by Director Planning and Designs (Irrigation Department) Jagmohan Singh Nagi, stated that it was not in favour of integrated planning, development and management of water resources, as it would infringe upon the state’s rights in water-related issues. Punjab also maintained that any national guidelines on water-sharing should be as per the contribution of a state towards the catchment area of a river.

Water Resources Minister Harish Rawat said the Framework Law and the River Basin Management Bill would be drafted in such a manner that rights and powers of the states were not curtailed in any manner. “These laws would be finalised only after threadbare deliberations,” he said.

The Centre is aiming at two things. One is to set up an authority for planned development of river basins through cooperation of all states concerned.

The second issue is replacing the existing River Board Act with a River Management Bill. The Act formulated in 1956 does not provide for river basin planning. Integrated planning, development and management of water resources of river basins were not even contemplated at the time of the enactment of the Act. The Centre wants to give the Act, practically defunct now, more teeth to ensure basin-wise development with the help of river boards. 

First meeting blues

The very first meeting of the newly formed National Forum of Water Resources and Irrigation Ministers to discuss the controversial National Water Framework Law witnessed opposition from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh

Sources said many Opposition-ruled states felt the River Basin Authority would be a clear infringement of their rights