4777

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), NOVEMBER 21, 2023 (KRTK 30, 1945 SAKA)

EXTRAORDINARY

Published by Authority

CHANDIGARH, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 (KARTIKA 30, 1945SAKA)

( 4777 )

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.

Principal Secretary Water Resources

Chairman

Representative of State Finance Department

Member

4778

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), NOVEMBER 21, 2023 (KRTK 30, 1945 SAKA)

Chief Engineer of CWC Indus basin

Member

Representative from State Environment & Forest Department

Member

Member (Technical). Inland Waterways Authority of India and

Development Advisor (Ports) MoPSW.

Member

Representative from Dept of Mining

Member

Representative from District Administration of concerned area

Member

Chief Engineer/Canals

Member

Representative from Ministry of Earth Sciences

Member

Representative from PWD B&R Punjab

Member

Regional Officer, NHAI

Member

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 above