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Key
directives contained in the Narmada Water dispute tribunal
on environment
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Issue
related with compensation of the forest land
undergoing submergence of the SSP (NWDT clause XI
sub-clause III (1) & (2) & XVI-8(2)iv.
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Fisheries
development (NWDTA clause XI, sub-clause V (8), (9)
& (10).
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Monitoring
of the protection shifting/relocation of the monuments
of archaeological significance being affected by the
submergence of Sardar Sarovar, Narmada Sagar, (NWDT
clause XI-sub-clause III (4) & XIV-7,8(3)(iv).
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Studies
related to Downstream scenario for estimating impacts
of project activities (NWDT clause IX (Vii) related to
indenting of water for downstream by Gujarat.
General
Environmental concerns were part of the
water resources project, planning from the very beginning. The
guidelines issued by the then Ministry of Irrigation & Power
included these in their documents meant for the water resources
planners.
Recent environmental
awakening in India is a part of worldwide concern for
protection of environment. Govt. of India have taken series
of measures for its amelioration.
- Sardar Sarovar and
Indira Sagar Projects were appraised from
environmental angle by the Ministry of Environment
& Forests and were accorded clearances during
1987. It was determined that no environmental concern
is serious enough to threaten the viability of the
project if proper safeguards are adopted.
Clearances
Conditions for environment
clearance
The MOEF granted clearance
subject to the following conditions:
- The NCA will ensure
that environmental safeguard measures are planned and
implemented pari-passu with progress of works on
projects.
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The detailed
surveys/ studies assured will be carried out as per
the schedule proposed and details made available to
the Department for assessment.
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The catchment
area treatment plan and the rehabilitation plan are so
drawn so as to be completed ahead of reservoir
filling.
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The department
should be kept informed of progress of various works
periodically.
Investment clearance for
ISP
On 6.9.87, the Planning Commission issued
the investment clearance of ISP at a cost of Rs.1993.67
Crores. The State Govt. was required to comply with the
conditions laid down by MOEF while according environment and
forest clearances, and also establish adequate network for
ground water monitoring in the command within 2 years.
Forest clearance for SSP
Vide letter dated 8.9.87, the MOEF
approved the diversion of 13385.45 ha. of forestland for SSP,
comprising 4165.91 ha. in Gujarat, 2731 ha. in M.P, and
6488.54 ha in Maharashtra with the following important
stipulation:
The State Govts. will prepare
by 30.11.87 ,a plan for the treatment of catchment areas
failing which the Central Govt. will appoint a team for the
purpose at the cost of the project for this purpose.
Investment clearance for SSP
On 5.10.88, the Planning
Commission accorded investment clearance for SSP at a cost
of Rs.6406.04 crores. The main stipulation, pertaining to
environment, in the clearance was "faithful compliance
with environmental and forests approval".
Forest clearance for ISP
Vide letter dtd. 7.10.87 the
MOEF approved diversion of 41111.97 ha of forestland for ISP
with among others ,the following stipulations.
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The State Govts. will also
intimate details of the non-forestland identified for
rehabilitation of oustees and draw up a rehabilitation
plan by 15.12.87 to the satisfaction of Govt. of
India.
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A plan for the treatment of the
catchments was to be prepared by 15.12.87 and
implemented at the cost of the project.
The NCA constituted
Environment Sub-group and assigned it its functions related
to planning and implementation of environment safeguards
with the objective of ensuring planning, implementation and
monitoring of environmental issues in Narmada project.
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