राष्ट्रीय चंबल घड़ियाल अभयारण्य, राजस्थान में चंबल नदी के बाएं किनारे के पास इनटेक वेल की मरम्मत

, _. Government of India Ministry of Environment and Forests . (Wildlife Division) F. No. 6-155/2011 WL Dated: 13th September 2013 The Chief Wildlife Warden Government of Rajasthan Jaipnr.

Paryavaran Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003. Sub: Renovation of intake well near left bank of Chambal River at Kota barrage reservoir falling in National Chambal Ghariyal Sanctuary, Rajasthan. Sir, The Government of Rajasthan had forwarded a proposal for construction/ renovation of the existing intake well near left bank of Chambal river at Kota barrage reservoir faIling in National Chambal Ghariyal Sanctuary. The proposal was considered by the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife in its 28th meeting held on 20th March 2013. The Standing Committee ofNBWL had, however, decided to reject the proposal 2. Ministry of Environment and Forests received a representation from the Hon'ble Minister for Urban Development and Housing, Government of Rajasthan, requesting for re-consideration of the proposal,. as the project was intended for augmenting drinking water supply to the Kota city. Considering this necessity, the Department and Forests, Government of Rajasthan had forwarded the proposal for re-consideration of the Standing Committee ofNBWL. 3. The ~roposal was re-considered by the Standing Committee ofNBWL in its 29th meeting held on 6t June 20 I 3. After discussion, the committee decided that since there were no representatives from the Rajasthan Forest Department, the views of the members be communicated to the State, and views of the State Government obtained on this as soon as ,possible. 4. Subsequently, the Government of Rajasthan provided the following information to this Ministry: . I. The proposal is purely for drinking water purpose and no fraction of water from the reservoir will be diverted for industriallirrigational activities. ii. The water level in Kota Barrage is maintained at 854 feet throughout the year. iii. The location of the proposed renovation of the intake well is upstream of Kota Barrage. The three existing reservoirs- Gandhi Sagar, Pratap Sagar and Jawahar Sagar- generate hydroelectricity and the excess water after generation is released in the Barrage. 1 ..

iv. Water level seldom falls below 854 ft. even during lean season, when the water meant for irrigating the 14.50 lakh ha. of land under its command, is diverted to maintain prescribed water levels, thus ensuring safety of Ghariyal Sanctuary the year round. v. There are no Gangetic Dolphins in this region (throughout from Gandhi Sagar to Kota Barrage). . vi. The drinking water needs of the community even now, are being met by water tankers ferrying water at exorbitant cost from the river itself. vii. The State Government is willing to undertake any mitigation plans in the region warranting protection to the Ghariyals, as per stipulations prescribed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. 5. The matter has been examined. It is noted that existing use of 7600 cusec of water for irrigation and about 200 mid for the existing water supply is proposed to be augmented by about 130 mid. The proposed added capacity of 130 mid is a marginal addition to the existing usage from the river. 6. Minister for Urban Development has informed in his letter dated 10th July 2013 that the intake well is located upstream of Kota Barrage and the water level is maintained at the barrage at about 854 ft regularly. Hon'ble Minister has assured that sufficient water will be maintained in the sanctuary area for Ghariyals and other aquatic species. Chief Minister, Rajasthan, .has also stated vide letter dated 19th July 2013 that State Government assures: . i. that the State Government would at all times ensure that there is sufficient water to protect the Ghariyals in the Ghariyal Sanctuary area. ii. that the State Government will implement any mitigation plan which may be required by MoEF and ensure the protection of Ghariyals at all times. 7. The proposal was also discussed during 30th meeting of Standing Committee of NB WL on 4th September,2013 wherein assurance given by Government of Rajasthan was conveyed. 8. In view of the above facts and undertaking given by the State Government of Rajasthan, the undersigned is directed to convey the recommendation of the Chairperson, Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife, for renovation and upgradation of the existing intake well on the upstream ofKota Barrage, Rajasthan, with the following conditions: i. The water level of the Chambal River shall not be brought down and shall be maintained at the optimal required level for protection of the fauna in the Nationill Chambal Sanctuary. ii. The State Government of Rqjasthan shall use the water for drinking water needs only and shall not divert any water for industrial or other use. 2

/ / / iii. The existing Apex-II tier level committee of the National Tristate Chambal Sanctuary- Management & Co-ordination Committee (NTRIS CSMAC), constituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests shall prepare a mitigation plan for the conservation of fauna in the Chambal Wildlifo Sanctuary, Rajasthan for implementation by Rajasthan Forest Department. iv. The committee, reforred to in (iii) above shall also. monitor the implementation of the mitigation plim, and report to this Ministry periodically. v. The State Government of Rajasthan shall ensure effective implementation of the mitigation plan. vi.. Any other conditions, as may be imposed by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Rajasthan shall be implemented Copy to: . Yours faithfully, ~ .... 131,ilO~ (VlVek Saxena) Deputy Inspector General of Forests (WL)

1. The Principal Secretary (Forests), Government of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
2. The Add!. PCCF (Central), Regional Office, Ministry of Environment and Forests, central _ zne, Bhopal. . -0Y Copy to ENVIS cell for uploading on MoEF website. 3