laying of water supply transmission line

[Chitra Rajesh]

In one of the water supply projects, it is proposed to lay the transmission line under the river bed of the dried river. it is justified that it would be required to avoid damages to utilities and avoid tree cutting.

is there any directive prohibiting such an act? though the river is now dried!

[Dr Anil Kumar Patni]

It depend on the category of project like I am working on the project Bhagalpur Water Supply This is a A category project and  intake well site is in the area of Vikaramshilla gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary part.So finally Matter send to MOEF and Cleared on the Certain limitations.Now finally Superemecourt gave the permission  for start the work.But VGDS management plan is required for the project. You can discussed on the EPA,Water Act,Hazardous waste management and handling rule etc

[Prof Dr V N Sivasankara Pillai]

Dear Chitra Rajesh,

The river may be dry during most of the year, but it is a river. It has its ecological significance as evolved during the course of its its evolution to the present state of its environment. The impact of laying, operating and maintaining the pipeline would have impacts on the subsurface flow, flooded flow, flora, fauna and human environment. The project must be assessed either as a pipeline project or as an in-river project. There may not be an impact assessment format readily available. It a challenge to do a reasonably scientific EIA for the project.

Dr V N Sivasankara Pillai

09847151631

[Rakesh KN]

Two questions.

1. As Dr. Pillai pointed out- Is the river bed completely dried and happening no flow at all (due to some land use land cover changes upper catchments) or it is that the river bed is dry for some (or most) part of the year.

2. The catchment types (whether it is agricultural land / urban / industrial) on its basin.

3. During flow time, the flora and fauna diversity, distribution.

and the last

Is the impact by cutting trees (depends number of trees, land use,  species and connected ecosystem) is greater than disturbing the aquatic ecosystem permanently / temporarily and fully / partially.

[Chitra Rajesh]

Dear Dr.Pillai, Dr.Anil, Mr.Rakesh,

The said river is generally dry except during heavy rain in catchment areas. The flow is mostly sub-surface and there were many infiltration wells (IW). But most are dried now and this proposed water supply scheme is now replacing many of these IW. PWD is granting them permission with some conditions. THe tree cutting mentioned is on the roadside along the bank. THere are developments along the river bank and laying line there has become nearly impossible in many stretches. that is why this decision. 

 The proposal is to lay line with some concrete support structures, all sub-surface, in the river bed close to bank.

This was quite a new thing and i was not clear whether this is permitted or not legally.

[Prof Dr V N Sivasankara Pillai]

It is not as simple as described. River includes the channel, banks, bed and vegetation in and on associated compartments including flood plains. In any case, it is advisable to have alternatives examined and impacts compared. PWDs, in general, do not like EIA process.

[JEYARAM.S]

I agree with views of Dr VNS Pillai....Whether PWD likes EIA or not....the owner of the project /beneficiary /consultant may approach State EIA Authority (SEIAA) and get it clarified once for all...

[Rakesh KN]

Dear Chitra,

As Dr.Pillai pointed out it is not simple as you describe.

First of all, the fact that the "river is generally dry" doesn't disqualify it as a river. Most of the river systems in plains are seasonal. Second as you mentioned, there are still flow in sub surface and most of your structures are subsurface with concrete. This definitely affects the existing flow to nil flow. 

The questions are larger that the technical issues or legal requirements.

If there are developments in the banks, the alignment has to change , (there may be additional cost), that is the way out,