India-Nepal Cooperation
The Union Government is having continuous dialogue with Government of Nepal at various levels for cooperation in the field relating to Water Resources Development.
A Treaty on Integrated Development of Mahakali River had been signed between the Government of India and Government of Nepal in February 1996, which came into force in June 1997 (Mahakali Treaty). Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project on river Mahakali which is known as river Sarda in India, is the centerpiece of Mahakali Treaty. India - Nepal Joint Group of Experts (JGE) has been overseeing the physical and financial progress with respect to finalisation of Joint Detailed Project Report of Pancheswar Multipurpose Project. All the related field investigations have been completed and detailed Project report is to be finalised after resolving the pending issues, which are under discussion with Nepal. The project will have power and irrigation benefits besides incidental benefits of flood moderation.
Agreement has also been reached with Nepal to take up the joint field investigations, studies and preparation of Detailed Project Report of Sapta Kosi High Dam Multipurpose Project and Sun Kosi Storage cum Diversion Scheme. A Joint Project Office was opened in August 2004 in Nepal for undertaking the above work.
For dealing with the problems of inadvertent inundation caused by the construction of various works on the border rivers between India and Nepal, a Standing Committee on Inundation Problems (SCIP) between India and Nepal is also functioning since 1986 with a view to identity the problem areas and suggest possible solutions on a continuing basis.
In order to have interaction at higher level pertaining to the cooperation in the field of water resources, including implementation of various agreements and understandings, a Nepal-India Joint Committee on Water Resources (JCWR) headed by Water Resources Secretaries of both the countries is functioning with the mandate to act as an Umbrella Committee over all other committees and groups.
India-Bhutan Cooperation
A scheme titled ‘‘Comprehensive Scheme for Establishment of Hydrometeorological and Flood Forecasting Network on rivers common to India and Bhutan’’ is in operation. The network consists of 44 hydrometeorological/meteorological stations located in Bhutan and being maintained by Royal Government of Bhutan with funding from India. The data received from these stations is utilised in India by Central Water Commission for formulating flood forecasts. A Joint Expert Team (JET) consisting of officials from the Government of India and Royal Government of Bhutan continuously reviews the progress and other requirements of the scheme.
The mater relating to problem of floods created by rivers originating from Bhutan and coming to India was taken up with Royal Government of Bhutan. In this connection a Joint Group of Experts (JGE) on Flood Management has been constituted between India and Bhutan to discuss and assess the probable causes and effects of the recurring floods and erosion in the southern foothills of Bhutan and adjoining plains in India and recommend to both Governments appropriate and mutually acceptable remedial measures. The first meeting of JGE had series of discussions and also made several field visits to some of the affected areas, which include the sites prone to landslides, and dolomite mining areas. Based on their recommendations, the JGE felt that a more detailed technical examination is required and accordingly a Joint Technical Team (JTT) under the Chairmanship of Member (PID), North Bengal Flood Control Commission has been constituted which held its first meeting in April 2006. Some short-term and long-term remedial measures had been recommended by JTT in its preliminary report. However further studies are required before any remedial measures are to be taken to mitigate the floods caused due to rivers coming from Bhutan.
India-Bangladesh Cooperation
An Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) is functioning since 1972 with a view to maintain liaison in order to ensure the most effective joint efforts in maximising the benefits from common river systems which is headed by Water Resources Ministers of both the countries. India and Bangladesh signed a treaty on 12 December 1996 on the sharing of Ganga/Ganges waters. The treaty shall remain in force for a period of 30 years to be renewable by mutual consent. For monitoring the implementation of the treaty, a Joint Committee is also set up. Sharing of waters between India and Bangladesh was done in accordance with the provisions of Treaty since lean season of 1997 to the satisfaction of both the countries.
The Joint River Commission met at Dhaka in September 2005 and held 36 meetings from 19-31 September 2005 wherein various matters pertaining to cooperation in Water Resources sector, including Tipaimukh Dam project, Interlinking of Rivers, sharing aspects of waters of common rivers, bank protection works, flood forecasting, etc., were discussed. It was agreed that Ministers of Water Recourses of both the countries would personally visit the proposed works for bank protection/minor lift irrigation/drinking water suppliers schemes and would give relevant decisions for appropriate action by both the Governments. The details of such works proposed on both the sides have been identified and programme for joint visit of both the Ministers is under formulation.
Discussions are continuing with Bangladesh for sharing of the waters of Teesta River as well. For this purpose, a Joint Rivers Commission had constituted a Join Committee of Experts (JCE), which is headed by Water Resources Secretaries of both the countries. The JCE has so far held 7 meetings. The JCE has constituted a Joint Technical Group (JTG) to discuss and examine all pending issues and come up with recommendations on the draft of the terms of reference for the Joint Scientific Study to assess the availability and requirement of waters of Teesta flows between the two countries. In this connection, 4th meeting of JTG was held at Dhaka on 17-18 January 2005. The report of JTG will be placed before the next meeting of JCE.
The existing system of transmission of flood forecasting data on major rivers like Ganga, Teesta, Brahmputra and Barak during the monsoon season from India to Bangladesh is continuing. The transmission of flood forecasting information from India during the monsoon which is being supplied free of cost has enabled the Civil and Military authorities in Bangladesh to shift the population affected by flood to safer places.
India-China Cooperation
In 2002, the Government of India had entered into a MoU with China for sharing of hydrological information on Yaluzangby/ Brahmaputra river in flood season by China to India. In accordance with the provisions contained in the MoU, the Chinese side is providing hydrological information (water level, discharge and rainfall) in respect of three stations, namely, Nugesha, Yangcun and Nuxia located on river Yaluzangby/ Brahmaputra from 1 June to 15 October every year. The requisite data during the current year from 1 June to 15 October 2005 was received which was utilised in formulation of flood forecasts by Central Water Commission.
An agreement regarding the provision of hydrological data of one site on Sutlej (Langqen Zangbo) was concluded during the visit of Hon'ble Premier of China in April 2005 for which a MoU has been signed. Matter has been taken up with Chinese side through MEA for signing of Implementation Plan in this regard.
An artificial lake was formed on Parechu in Tibet (China) because of landslide in June/July 2004. Discussions were held during the visit of Secretary Level delegation to Beijing in March 2005 and during the visit of Hon'ble Premier of China in April 2005. The landslide lake breached in last week of June 2005 and as per information provided by the Chinese side, height of dam was reduced and major quantity of water had flowed down and the lake dam might not pose any potential threat to downstream areas. However, Indian side is monitoring the situation closely.
Indus Water Treaty
Under the Indus Waters Treaty 1960, India and Pakistan have created two permanent posts of Commissioner for Indus Waters, one each in India and Pakistan, who are the representatives of the respective Governments for all matters arising out of the treaty and serve as the regular channel of communication with regard to implementation of the Treaty. The two Commissioners together form the Permanent Indus Commission, which holds periodical meetings, and also undertake tours of inspection to projects/ works in India and Pakistan. By way of implementation of the Treaty, the Permanent Indus Commission held its 104th & 105th tours of inspection in India and Pakistan respectively and its 94th meeting at Lahore and its 95th, 96th & 97th meetings in India. Secretary Level Talks under Composite Dialogue on Tulbal Navigation Project was also held in India. Besides, the World Bank appointed a Neutral Expert for Expert Determination of the Differences raised by Pakistan in respect of Baglihar Project. Under this process, India arranged a visit to the project and its model by a Pakistan Team and later, a similar visit by the Neutral Expert with both the Parties (i.e., India and Pakistan). India has also submitted documents as asked by the Neutral Expert.
