EXTRAORDINARY
Published by Authority
CHANDIGARH, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 (KARTIKA 30, 1945 SAKA)
GOVERNMENT OF PUNJAB
DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES
NOTIFICATION
The 21st November, 2023
No. WR-IRWR010/340/2021-IW4/405/1.–1.0 Whereas the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of India vide notification S.O. 1224 (E), dated 28.03.2020 provided exemption from the environmental clearance for dredging and desilting of dams, reservoirs, weirs, barrages, river and canals for the purpose of their maintenance, upkeep and disaster management. The notification was challenged before the National Green Tribunal in which the Hon'ble Tribunal directed to revise the impugned notification dated 28.03.2020.Subsequently the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, Govt. of India issued National Framework for Sediment Management. The document deals with the issue of environmental safeguards pertaining to dredging and desilting of dams, reservoirs, weirs, barrages, river and canals.
2.0 Whereas this frame work was referred to the concerned Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GoI. The EAC opined that the framework addresses the environmental concerns associated with the sediment management practices in dam/reservoirs/barrages in a comprehensive and holistic manner.
3.0 Whereas, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GoI, after examining the recommendations and in the background given above has issued instructions vide their letter dated 12th July 2023 and has directed that the exemption from environmental clearance provided vide notification S.O. 1224 (E), dated 28.03.2020 for dredging and desilting of dams, reservoirs, weirs, barrages, river and canals shall be subject to the environmental safeguards as proposed in the National Framework for Sediment Management issued by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, GoI. The National Framework has inter alia suggested that a committee of State Technical Advisory Committee for techno economic appraisal of the sediment schemes be constituted in every State (Annexure –VI). In view of the above, following committee is accordingly constituted:
Sr. Committee Composition
No.
1 Principal Secretary Water Resources
Chairman
2 Representative of State Finance Department Member
( 4777 )4778 PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), NOVEMBER 21, 2023 (KRTK 30, 1945 SAKA)
3 Chief Engineer of CWC Indus basin Member
4 Representative from State Environment & Forest Department Member
5 Member (Technical). Inland Waterways Authority of India and
Development Advisor (Ports) MoPSW. Member
6 Representative from Dept of Mining Member
7 Representative from District Administration of concerned area Member
8 Chief Engineer/Canals Member
9 Representative from Ministry of Earth Sciences Member
10 Representative from PWD B&R Punjab Member
11 Regional Officer, NHAI Member
12 Chief Engineer/Drainage-cum-Mining and Geology For Rivers/Drains/ Member Secretary
Choes and Chief Engineer/Canals or Dams for Dams.
4.0 The terms of the reference of the committee shall be as follows:
(i) The Committee shall examine the proposal in detail from Technical, Environmental and Financial and
social aspects including BC ratio.
(ii) Committee shall examine details critically and ensure that the proposed works are not repetitive in
nature.
(iii) Source of funding of scheme may be mentioned.
(iv) Committee shall check the DPR prepared as per guidelines and having all relevant information.
(v) Committee may co-opt any member as Special Invitee.
(vi) Committee shall ensure that works are not broken in pieces to reduce the level of approval.
Sd/-
KRISHAN KUMAR, IAS
Principal Secretary, Water Resources DA/ As abovePUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), NOVEMBER 21, 2023 (KRTK 30, 1945 SAKA) 4779
2973/11-2023/Pb. Govt. Press, S.A.S. Nagar