Impact of bifurcation on river water sharing and consequential issues.

<<–2/”>a >h3>Impact of bifurcation on River Water Sharing and consequential issues

MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF WATER Resources

The Central Government shall, on and from the appointed day, constitute an Apex Council for the supervision of the functioning of the Godavari River Management Board and Krishna River Management Board.

The Apex Council shall consist of:

(a) Minister of Water Resources, Government of India—Chairperson

(b) Chief Minister of State of Andhra Pradesh—Member

The functions of the Apex Council shall include––

(i) supervision of the functioning of the Godavari River Management Board and Krishna River Management Board.

(ii) planning and approval of proposals for construction of new projects, if any, based on Godavari or Krishna river water, after getting the proposal appraised and recommended by the River Management Boards and by the Central Water Commission, wherever required;

(iii) resolution of any dispute amicably arising out of the sharing of river waters through negotiations and mutual agreement between the successor States;

(iv) reference of any disputes not covered under Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal, to a Tribunal to be constituted under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

The Central Government shall constitute two separate Boards to be called the Godavari River Management Board and Krishna River Management Board (to be known as the Board), within a period of sixty days from the appointed day, for the administration, regulation, maintenance and operation of such projects, as may be notified by the Central Government from time to time.

The headquarters of Godavari River Management Board shall be located in the successor State of Telangana and of the Krishna River Management Board shall be located in the successor State of Andhra Pradesh.

The Godavari River Management Board and Krishna River Management Board shall be autonomous bodies under the administrative control of the Central Government, and shall comply with such directions as may, from time to time, be given to them by the Central Government.

(4) Each Board shall consist of the following Chairperson and Members, namely:––

(a) a Chairperson not below the rank or level of Secretary or Additional Secretary to the Government of India to be appointed by the Central Government

(b) two members, to be nominated by each of the successor States, of which one shall be the technical member not below the rank of Chief Engineer and the other administrative member to represent the concerned States.

(5) Each Board shall have a full-time Member Secretary, not below the rank of Chief Engineer in the Central Water Commission, to be appointed by the Central Government.

(6) The Central Government shall create such number of posts of the rank of Chief Engineer in the Central Water Commission, as it considers necessary.

(7) Each Board shall be assisted in the day to day management of reservoirs by the Central Industrial Security Force constituted under the Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968, on such terms and conditions as the Central Government may specify.

(8) The functions of each Board shall include––

(a) the regulation of supply of water from the projects to the successor States having regard to––

(i) Awards granted by the Tribunals constituted under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956;

(ii) any agreement entered into or arrangement made covering the Government of existing State of Andhra Pradesh and any other State or Union territory;

(b) the regulation of supply of power generated to the authority in-charge of the distribution of power having regard to any agreement entered into or arrangement made covering the Government of the existing State of Andhra Pradesh and any other State or Union territory;

(c) the construction of such of the remaining on-going or new works connected with the development of the water resources projects relating to the rivers or their tributaries through the successor States as the Central Government may specify by notification in the Official Gazette;

(d) making an appraisal of any proposal for construction of new projects on Godavari or Krishna rivers and giving technical clearance, after satisfying that such projects do not negatively impact the availability of water as per the awards of the Tribunals constituted under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 for the projects already completed or taken up before the appointed day; and

(e) such other functions as the Central Government may entrust to it on the basis of the principles specified in the Eleventh Schedule.

The Board shall employ such staff as it may consider necessary for the efficient discharge of its functions under this Act and such staff shall, at the first instance, be appointed on deputation from the successor States in equal proportion and absorbed permanently in the Board.

(2) The Government of the successor States shall at all times provide the necessary funds to the Board to meet all expenses (including the salaries and allowances of the staff) required for the discharge of its functions and such amounts shall be apportioned between the States concerned in such proportion as the Central Government may, having regard to the benefits to each of the said States, specify.

(3) The Board may delegate such of its powers, functions and duties as it may deem fit to the Chairman of the said Board or to any officer subordinate to the Board.

(4) The Central Government may, for the purpose of enabling the Board to function efficiently, issue such directions to the State Governments concerned, or any other authority, and the State Governments, or the other authority, shall comply with such directions.

The Board shall ordinarily exercise jurisdiction on Godavari and Krishna rivers in regard to any of the projects over headworks (barrages, Dams, reservoirs, regulating structures), part of canal Network and transmission lines necessary to deliver water or power to the States concerned, as may be notified by the Central Government, having regard to the awards, if any, made by the Tribunals constituted under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

(2) If any question arises as to whether the Board has jurisdiction under sub-section (1) over any project referred thereto, the same shall be referred to the Central Government for decision thereon.

The Board may make regulations consistent with the Act and the rules made thereunder, to provide for—

(a) regulating the time and place of meetings of the Board and the procedure to be followed for the transaction of business at such meetings;

(b) delegation of powers and duties of the Chairman or any officer of the Board;

(d) any other matter for which regulations are considered necessary by the Board.

The term of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal shall be extended with the following terms of reference, namely:––

(a) shall make project-wise specific allocation, if such allocation have not been made by a Tribunal constituted under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956;

(b) shall determine an operational protocol for project-wise release of water in the event of deficit flows.

The Polavaram Irrigation Project is hereby declared to be a national project.

It is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that the Union should take under its control the regulation and development of the Polavaram Irrigation Project for the purposes of irrigation.
The Consent for Polavaram Irrigation Project shall be deemed to have been given by the successor State of Telangana.
The Central Government shall execute the project and obtain all requisite clearances including environmental, forests, and rehabilitation and resettlement norms.

The Governments of the successor States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana shall replace the existing State of Andhra Pradesh on the Tungabhadra Board.

The Tungabhadra Board shall continue to monitor the release of water to High Level Canal, Low Level Canal and Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme

Principles governing the functioning of the River Management Boards.

The operation protocol notified by the Ministry of Water Resources with respect to water resources arrived at based on appropriate dependability criteria after the adjudication by the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal shall be binding on both the successor States.
In the event of conflicting demand of water for irrigation and power, the requirement of water for irrigation shall take precedence.
In the event of conflicting demand of water for irrigation and drinking water, the requirement of water for drinking water purpose shall take precedence.
The allocations made by the River Water Tribunals with regard to various projects on Godavari and Krishna Rivers or for the regions of the existing State of Andhra Pradesh, in respect of assured water shall remain the same.
Allocations, if any, to be made on excess flows by any Tribunal in future shall be binding on both the State of Telangana and the successor State of Andhra Pradesh.
While the successor State Governments shall be responsible for managing natural calamities, the Boards shall advise the two State Governments on the management of disaster or drought or flood in the rivers of Krishna and Godavari, particularly in reference to the release of water for the management and mitigation of the natural calamities. The Boards shall have the full authority to get their orders implemented by the two successor State Governments promptly and effectively in respect of operation of the head works of the dams, reservoirs or head works of canals and works appurtenant thereto including the hydel power projects, as notified by the Central Government, on Krishna and Godavari Rivers.
No new projects based on water resources arrived at based on appropriate dependability criteria on Godavari or Krishna rivers can be taken up by the State of Telangana or the State of Andhra Pradesh without obtaining sanction from the Apex Council on River water resources. All such proposals shall be first appraised and technically cleared by the respective Board, before sanction by the said Apex Council.
Execution of ongoing projects and future new projects on Godavari and Krishna rivers shall be the responsibility of the State Government concerned where the project is located.
In case of non-implementation of the decision by either of the States, the defaulting State shall bear the responsibility and shall face financial and other penalties imposed by the Central Government.
The following irrigation projects which are under construction shall be completed as per the plan notified by the existing State of Andhra Pradesh and the water sharing arrangement shall continue as such:—

(i) Handri Niva

(ii) Telugu Ganga

(iii) Galeru Nagiri

(iv) Venegondu

(v) Kalvakurthi

(vi) Nettempadu,

The bifurcation of a river is the process of dividing a river into two or more branches. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as to improve irrigation, generate hydroelectric power, or create a new watercourse.

The bifurcation of a river can have a significant impact on the way that water is shared between the two new states. In some cases, the bifurcation can lead to an increase in water availability for one state, while in other cases it can lead to a decrease. The impact of bifurcation on river water sharing will depend on a number of factors, including the location of the bifurcation, the size of the two new states, and the amount of water that is available in the river.

For example, if a river is bifurcated near its source, the two new states will each have access to a larger share of the water. However, if the river is bifurcated near its mouth, the two new states will each have access to a smaller share of the water.

The bifurcation of a river can also lead to a number of consequential issues. These issues can include disputes over water rights, environmental problems, and economic challenges.

Disputes over water rights can arise when the two new states have different needs for water. For example, one state may need the water for irrigation, while the other state may need the water for hydroelectric power. In these cases, the two states will need to negotiate a water rights agreement to ensure that both states have access to the water that they need.

Environmental problems can occur when the bifurcation of a river disrupts the flow of water or changes the water quality. For example, if the bifurcation of a river causes the river to flow more slowly, this can lead to the accumulation of sediment and the Growth of algae. This can make the water less suitable for drinking, irrigation, and recreation.

Economic challenges can arise when the bifurcation of a river disrupts transportation or economic activity. For example, if the bifurcation of a river divides a major transportation route, this can lead to increased costs for businesses and consumers. Additionally, if the bifurcation of a river divides a major economic region, this can lead to job losses and economic decline.

There are a number of ways to address the issues that can arise from the bifurcation of a river. These ways can include:

Negotiating water rights agreements: The two new states can negotiate water rights agreements to ensure that both states have access to the water that they need.
Implementing environmental protection measures: The two new states can implement environmental protection measures to minimize the impact of the bifurcation on the Environment.
Developing Economic Development plans: The two new states can develop economic development plans to help mitigate the economic challenges that can arise from the bifurcation.

The bifurcation of a river can be a complex and challenging process. However, by carefully planning and implementing the bifurcation, the two new states can minimize the impact of the bifurcation on the environment, the economy, and the people who live in the region.

What is bifurcation?

Bifurcation is the division of a river into two or more branches. It can occur naturally, due to erosion or changes in the course of the river, or it can be caused by human activity, such as the construction of dams or canals.

What are the impacts of bifurcation on river water sharing?

Bifurcation can have a significant impact on river water sharing. When a river is divided, the amount of water available to each branch can be reduced. This can lead to conflict between users of the river, such as farmers, industries, and municipalities.

What are the consequential issues of bifurcation?

The consequential issues of bifurcation can include:

Conflict between users of the river: When a river is divided, the amount of water available to each branch can be reduced. This can lead to conflict between farmers, industries, and municipalities, who all need water for their activities.
Decreased water quality: Bifurcation can also lead to a decrease in water quality. This is because the branches of the river may not be able to support the same level of aquatic life as the original river.
Increased erosion: Bifurcation can also lead to increased erosion. This is because the branches of the river may not be able to hold as much sediment as the original river.
Loss of habitat: Bifurcation can also lead to the loss of habitat for Plants and animals. This is because the branches of the river may not be able to support the same level of Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity as the original river.

What are some ways to mitigate the impacts of bifurcation?

There are a number of ways to mitigate the impacts of bifurcation, including:

Building dams or canals to control the flow of water: This can help to ensure that each branch of the river receives an adequate amount of water.
Creating artificial wetlands: This can help to improve water quality and provide habitat for plants and animals.
Educating users of the river about the impacts of bifurcation: This can help to reduce conflict between users of the river.

The bifurcation of a river is the process of dividing a river into two or more branches. This can happen naturally, due to changes in the landscape, or it can be done artificially, for example, to build a dam.
The impact of bifurcation on river water sharing can be significant. If the river is divided into two branches, the amount of water available for each branch will be reduced. This can have a major impact on the people who live in the area, as well as on the environment.
The consequential issues of bifurcation can include:
Reduced water supply for irrigation, drinking, and other purposes
Increased salinity of the water
Increased erosion and sedimentation
Loss of biodiversity
Conflict between different groups of people who rely on the river
There are a number of ways to mitigate the impact of bifurcation on river water sharing. These include:
Building dams and reservoirs to store water
Diverting water from one branch of the river to another
Using water more efficiently
Restoring wetlands and other Ecosystems that help to regulate the flow of water
The impact of bifurcation on river water sharing is a complex issue with no easy solutions. It is important to consider all of the potential consequences before making any decisions about how to manage a river that has been bifurcated.

Here are some MCQs on the topics of river water sharing and consequential issues:

Which of the following is not a potential consequence of bifurcation?
(A) Reduced water supply
(B) Increased salinity of the water
(C) Increased erosion and sedimentation
(D) Increased biodiversity
Which of the following is the most effective way to mitigate the impact of bifurcation on river water sharing?
(A) Building dams and reservoirs
(B) Diverting water from one branch of the river to another
(C) Using water more efficiently
(D) Restoring wetlands and other ecosystems
Which of the following is the most common cause of bifurcation?
(A) Natural changes in the landscape
(B) Artificial changes, such as building a dam
(C) Human activity, such as deforestation
(D) Climate change
Which of the following is the most important factor to consider when managing a river that has been bifurcated?
(A) The impact on the people who live in the area
(B) The impact on the environment
(C) The impact on the economy
(D) The impact on the political situation
Which of the following is the most likely outcome of bifurcation?
(A) The river will eventually dry up
(B) The river will become more polluted
(C) The river will become more unstable
(D) The river will become more accessible to people