Challenges in the Implementation of E-Flows in Ganga Basin

6th IWW- Session: Rejuvenation of the River Ganga – from Planning to Action (SS1) 27th September, 2019 Challenges in the Implementation of E-flows in Ganga Basin

By Bhopal Singh, Chief Engineer, UGBO, CWC, Lucknow Mrs Deepti Verma, AEE, UGBO, CWC, Lucknow Outline

• Policy and Prevailing provisions on River conservation and Maintenance of Environmental Flows in Rivers in India • Provision of E-flows in Ganga River • Challenges and SOPs for Implementation of E-flows in Ganga River Need For River Conservation in India

➢The river system in India have so far been exploited for various human uses without looking at requirement of its own ecosystem. ➢These exploitations(sometime excessive) coupled with pollution ingress have led to degradation of many rivers/river stretches in the country (about 351 river stretches in 275 rivers are polluted—CPCB, 2018) ➢Flow discharges of certain magnitude, timing, frequency and duration are needed to sustain holistic flow regime for river dependent eco- systems primarily to ensure the health of the aquatic life in rivers and also to sustain various goods and services being otherwise provided by the rivers ➢This aspect has been duly recognized in National Water Policy (2002, 2012). River Conservation Policy and Provisions in India

❑ The river conservation and protection are covered under Environment Protection Act, 1986 (amended in Sep, 2006) which mandates prior environmental clearance for implementation of any projects from Central Govt./State level Environment Impact Assessment Authority as the case may be.

❑ The environmental management plan is an integral part of planning of any water resources development project.

❑ The river conservation activities are broadly looked after by National River Conservation Directorate, MoJS. However, this office concentrate mainly on the water quality aspects of the river.

❑ For Ganga river basin, NMCG (under DOWR,RD&GR) has been entrusted the task of river conservation/protection vide notification dated October, 2016. E-flows Policy and Provisions in India

❖ An Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for River Valley and Hydroelectric Projects, constituted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) examine the study reports and recommends the required environmental flows in the affected river reach

❖ Earlier, EAC used to recommend, 20% of average lean season discharge (4 leanest months) in 90% dependable year to be released as environment flow. However now, E-flows are required to be assessed scientifically as per requirement of aquatic biota in the affected river reach in all season and provided.

❖ Cumulative Impact Assessment Studies carried out for some of the important basins, are also referred while recommending the requisite e-flows.

❖ Some of the river reaches/sub-basins are declared eco sensitive zone barring any developmental project

❖ As such the current policy and practices duly emphasize on assessment and provision of requisite environmental flows in the affected river reach by any human intervention. Provision of E-flows in Ganga River

Vide Gazette Notification dated 9th October, 2018, the Government of India has notified the minimum environmental flows for River Ganga that has to be maintained at various locations on the river. (A)E-flow Norms for Projects in Upper Ganga Basin up to Haridwar Percentage of Monthly Average Flow SN Season Months observed during each of preceding 10- daily period 1 Dry November to March 20 2 Lean October, April and May 25 3 High Flow June to September 30

(B) E-flow Norms for Projects in Main Ganga Stem from Haridwar to Unnao

Minimum flow releases Minimum flow releases immediately Immediately d/s of downstream of barrages Location of Barrages (In Cumecs) (In Cumecs) SN Barrage Non-Monsoon Monsoon (October to May) (June to September) Bhimgoda 1 36 57 (Haridwar) 2 Bijnor 24 48 3 Narora 24 48 4 Kanpur 24 48 Implementation of E-flows in Ganga River The Central Water Commission (CWC) has been entrusted the responsibility for supervision, monitoring, regulation of flows and reporting of compliance to NMCG. Monitoring status report is to be submitted on quarterly basis. The monitoring of projects for implementation of mandated E- flows has been commenced w.e.f. 1st January, 2019. Currently following projects are being monitored.

SN Name of the Project Owner Agency 1. Maneri Bhali Stage-I UJVNL 2. Maneri Bhali Stage –II UJVNL 3. Tehri Dam THDC 4. Koteshwar Dam THDC 5. Vishnuprayag HEP JPVL 6. Srinagar GVK 7. Pashulok Barrage/ Chilla HEP UJVNL 8. Bhimgoda Barrage UP. Irrigation 9. Bijnor Barrage UP. Irrigation 10 Narora Barrage UP Irrigation 11 Kanpur Barrage UP Irrigation MONITORING AND COMPLIANCE PROTOCOL

• A Standard Operating Procedures for monitoring and No. CWC/UGBO/EF/SOP1 implementation of environmental flows in river Ganga

has been evolved based discussions during review

meetings. MoJS DoWR,RD&GR Central Water Commission • Efforts have been made to keep the SOPs simple and easy Upper Ganga Basin Organization

to implement while keeping intact the sprit of Govt IMPLEMENTATION OF MINIMUM ENVIREMENTAL FLOWS IN Order. RIVER GANGA (Up to UNNAO) Monitoring Interval • The data of inflows, diversions, downstream releases and changes in storage to be monitored on hourly basis. • The flow data of each project shall be transmitted to E- flow Web Portal/ CWC on real time basis (preferably on hourly basis) • Till installation of automatic data acquisition and transmission, the hourly flow data for the entire

previous day shall be transmitted by project authorities to CWC on daily basis by 11am. Suggested Standard Operating Procedures

September, 2019 SOPs for Projects in Upper Ganga River Basin up to Haridwar (i) Dry and lean Period • Flows during lean and dry periods are mainly contributed by base flows and snow melt and are quite steady. • As there are not much day to day variations in inflows during this period, e-flow targets may be defined on 10 daily period. • For the ease of monitoring and compliance, the e-flow targets for given ten daily period may be assessed based on the inflows during previous ten daily period. Sl No Season Months Mandated E-flows 20 % of average inflows observed during each of preceding 10-daily period 1 Dry November to March For example, required E-flows during December 11-20 ten daily period shall be 20 % of average inflows observed during 1-10 December ten daily period. 25 %of average inflows observed during each of preceding 10-daily period 2 Lean October, April and May For example, required E-flows during March 11-20 ten daily period shall be 25 %of average inflows observed during 1-10 March ten daily period. • To account the diurnal variability in the inflows, the e-flow release rate (discharge) during the day may vary within 20 percent range of target e-flow rate for the day. However, the flow volume released during day shall not be less than the targeted daily volume of e-flow release. SOPs for Projects in Upper Ganga River Basin up to Haridwar

(ii)During June to September ( Monsoon Period)

1600 Flows at Joshimath Lot of variability in 2012 2013 1400 2014 2015 flows during flood 2016 2017 period and setting Min 10 per. Mov. Avg. (Min) 1200 targets to E-flows is a

1000 big challenge

800

Flows Flows Cumecs in 600

400

200

0 1 5 9 13 17 21 25 29 3 7 11 15 19 23 27 31 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 1 5 9 13 17 21 25 29 3 7 11 15 19 23 27 31 Day ( June-Oct) 2500 Flows of Ganga at Karnprayag 3000 Flows of Ganga at Rudraprayag 2012 2013 2012 2014 2015 2013 2016 2017 2500 2014 2000 2018 Lower 2015 10 per. Mov. Avg. (Lower) 2016 2000 2017 2018 1500

1500

1000 Flows Flows inCumecs Flows Flows Cumecs in 1000

500 500

0 0 1 6 11162126 1 6 1116212631 5 1015202530 4 9 14192429 4 9 14192429 1 6 11162126 1 6 1116212631 5 1015202530 4 9 14192429 4 9 14192429 Day (Jun-Oct) Day (Jun-Oct) Flows of Ganga at Devprayag Flows of Ganga at Rishikesh

10000 12000 2012 2013 2012 2013 2014 2015 2014 2015 2016 2017 2016 2017 10000 8000 2018 Min Lower 10 per. Mov. Avg. (Lower) 10 per. Mov. Avg. (Min) 8000 6000 6000

4000

Flows Flows Cumecs in Flows Flows Cumecs in

2000 2000

0 0 1 6 11162126 1 6 1116212631 5 1015202530 4 9 14192429 4 9 14192429 1 6 11 16 21 26 1 6 11 1621 26 31 5 10 15 2025 30 4 9 14 19 24 29 4 9 14 19 24 29 Day(Jun-Oct) Day (Jun-Oct) Flows at any location can be split into two parts: Baseline flows, Baseline flows may be defined as Flood fluxes which is the component of variable flows the lower envelope of flows observed during past resulted from high rainfall in the catchment. The flood fluxes years say last 5 years. These baseline flows normally follow the seasonal trend, being highest in last for few days and are stochastic in nature. Their the month July or August. This component of flows occurrence is random and is difficult to predict. are normally stable and predictable. Suggested E-flow Norms For Monsoon Season (from June to September)

Looking at the characteristics of flows during monsoon period, the E- flows may constitute of two components, one based on baseline flows and other based on flood fluxes. (a) E-flow Component based on Baseline Flows

10 daily Period 10 Daily Average of Baseline E-flows Baseline Flows of Alaknada at Joshimath Moving average (Cumecs) 1600 2013 (Cumecs) 1400 2014 Jun-I (Jun 1-10) 110 33 2015 1200 Jun-II (Jun11-20) 153 46 2016 Jun-III(Jun21-30) 198 60 1000 2017 Jul-I(Jul1-10) 286 86 800 Jul-II(Jul11-20) 287 86 600 Jul-III(Jul21-31) 251 75

400 Aug-I (Aug1-10) 244 73 Discharge Discharge inCumec 200 Aug-II (Aug11- 245 73 0 20) 1 7 13 19 25 31 6 12 18 24 30 6 12 18 24 30 5 11 17 23 29 4 10 16 22 28 4 10 16 22 28 Aug-III (Aug21- 193 58 Day 31) May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Sep-I(Sep1-10) 130 39 Sep-II (Sep 11-20) 83 25 Sep-III (Sep21-30) 56 17 10 daily Period 10 Daily Baseline E-flows Baseline Flows of Ganga at Rishikesh Average of (Cumecs) 12000 2013 2014 Moving 2015 2016 average 10000 2017 Min (Cumecs) 10 per. Mov. Avg. (Min) Jun-I (Jun 1-10) 406 122 8000 Jun-II (Jun11-20) 431 129

6000 Jun-III(Jun21-30) 453 136 Jul-I(Jul1-10) 582 174 Jul-II(Jul11-20) 718 215 Flows Flows inCumecs 4000 Jul-III(Jul21-31) 1220 366 2000 Aug-I (Aug1-10) 1563 469 Aug-II (Aug11-20) 1767 530 0 Aug-III (Aug21-31) 1294 388 1 6 1116212631 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 4 9 14192429 3 8 13182328 3 8 13182328 Sep-I(Sep1-10) 721 216 Day Ma Jun Jul Au Sep Oct Sep-II (Sep 11-20) 503 151 Sep-III (Sep21-30) 405 122 Suggested E-flow Norms For Monsoon Season (from June to September) (b) Flood Fluxes E-flows As flood fluxes are stochastic in nature, e-flows corresponding to flood fluxes may be released any time during the month preferably at the time of high flood wave(s). The project authorities shall be at liberty to release the E-flows corresponding to flood fluxes at any time during the month. However, the quantum of flood fluxes e-flow component should be adequate so as to meet overall target of e- flows ( 30 percent of gross inflows during the month including baseline e-flows). Typical E-flows Releases During Monsoon at Joshimath

700 Gross Inflows Baseline E-flows Flood Fluxes E-flows Gross E-flows

600

500

400

300 Flows Flows inCumecs 200

100

0 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 2 5 8 11 14 17 20 23 26 29 Day (Jun-Sep) Typical E-flow Releases at Rishikesh During Monsoon

3500 Gross Flows Baseline E-flows Flood Fluxes E-flows Gross E-flows

3000

2500

2000

1500 Flows Flows inCumecs

1000

500

0 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 25 28 31 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 2 5 8 11 14 17 20 23 26 29 Day (Jun-Sep) Projects in stretch of main stem of River Ganga from Haridwar, Uttarakhand to Unnao, Uttar Pradesh

Minimum flow releases Minimum flow releases immediately Immediately downstream of barrages downstream of barrages Location of Sl No (In Cumecs) (In Cumecs) Barrage Non-Monsoon Monsoon (October to May ) (June to September)

Bhimgoda 1 36 57 (Haridwar)

2 Bijnor 24 48 3 Narora 24 48 4 Kanpur 24 48 Issues in the implementation of e-flows in ganga river

• Seamless data flow on real time from each project to web portal/CWC • Many of the existing projects were not planned and accounted for the recent e-flow norms and adhering to these norms may impact their commercial interest and meeting their water demands. • Initiating requisite measures like revising PPA, improving water use efficiency etc by project authorities Current Focus Areas by CWC

➢Development of Data Framework for Assessment of E-flows. Preparation of Habitat Atlas for all major rivers in the country ➢ Standardise the methodology(ies) for assessment of E-flows for different hydro-climatic regions in the country including model/software requirement ➢Framework for integrated basin planning and management for optimal and sustainable allocation/utilization of limited water resources of a basin duly safeguarding the river ecology ➢Evolve a mechanism for assessing quantitatively the socio-economic benefits/impacts of E-flows/ river eco services ➢Strategy for implementing E-flows

India Water Week, September 2019

Ganga Rejuvenation

Strategic Planning, Management and Implementation at Basin-wide scale

Factors influencing cooperation – successes and challenges

Jeremy Bird River Basin Management – some considerations Rationale to cooperate: Regional peace, security and development ➢ Shared benefits – shared interest ➢ Shared knowledge – data, analysis and response ➢ Influencing development options ➢ Structured approach to dispute resolution

Relationships that can influence /constrain RBOs ➢ Dominance of a single sector – irrigation, hydropower, navigation, flood mgmt.,.. ➢ Broader political and administrative context – e.g. bilateral dialogues ➢ Broader economic / development dialogue – e.g. regional economic bodies ➢ Stakeholder lobbying and engagement Beefit sharig – within and beyond the Basin

Four categories of benefits through which cooperating states can produce win-win situations (Sadoff and Grey): ▪ benefits to the river: improve the ecological sustainability of the watershed; ▪ benefits from the river: water-related economic benefits by developing irrigation, generating hydropower, improving flood control or enhancing navigation; ▪ benefits due to reduced costs because of the river: reduction in political conflict and associated costs of conflict, when countries shift the policy focus from dispute to cooperation and development; ▪ benefits beyond the river: improved regional infrastructure, markets and trade ultimately resulting from benefits derived because of the river

Source: Sadoff and Grey, 2002. Beyond the River: The Benefits of Cooperation on International Rivers Shared benefits – shared interests • Columbia River - USA and Canada • USA pays Canada for flood management benefits from dams in Canada • Hydropower benefits in Canada and USA apportioned equally • Senegal River – OMVS • Diama and Manantali Dams – jointly owned projects benefit four countries • Cost distribution based on expected benefits (irrigation, flood, hydropower..) • Yangtze River Economic Belt – national initiative at basin scale • Central government policy – transformation of economic developments • Green subsidies - water quality improvements and ecosystem restoration • Mekong River - MRC • Establishment driven by interests of regional peace and joint development • “tadads set fo ate ualit, iiu flo egie, aigatio, … • Formal agreement sets out principles and processes for engagement Shared knowledge – joint data, analysis and response

• Mekong River • Joint data collection program, knowledge base and analytical tools • Basin Development Strategy and State of the Basin Report • Regional flood forecasting and warning service

• Nile Basin - NBI • Establishment of Eastern Nile Technical Regional Office • Joint decision-support system developed and Eastern Nile Planning Model Influencing development options and outcomes

• EU Water Framework Directive – focus o outcoes • process to achieve good ecological and chemical status of European waters • implementation through context-specific River Basin Management Plans • Murray Darling – achieving flows for the environment • buy-back of existing water rights • subsidy for farmers to be more water efficient • Tennessee Valley Authority • a corporation clothed with the power of government but possessed of the flexibility and initiative of a private enterprise, Pesidet ‘ooseelt • Mekong River – mainstream dams • rejection of major mainstream hydropower schemes (1970s) replaced by focus on smaller projects (1994 onwards) – concerns on impacts remain • agreed design guidance on fish passage, sediment management, water quality,.. Structured approach to dispute resolution

• Nile Basin – Khartoum Declaration of Principles, 2015 • Ex-post response to upstream dam construction among heads of governments • Joint technical study of reservoir filling - GERD • Adopted principles of cooperation; development, regional integration / stability; avoiding significant harm; fair and appropriate use; rules for reservoir filling; building trust, exchange of information and c. France24 data; dam security; sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; peaceful settlement of disputes. • Mekong River • Formal dispute resolution mechanisms starting with inter-governmental dialogue and leading to arbitration • Reality is more informal bilateral dialogues focusing on compromise Relationships that influence /constrain RBOs

Public perception – e.g. isepesetatio of M‘Cs role in the 2010 drought

• Murray Darling Basin • Extensive irrigation development led to a tipping point of environment problems – low river flows, salinity, algal blooms, habitat loss, etc. • Shift from a Commission to an Authority with stronger powers • Changjiang Water Resources Commission • Strong emphasis and capability on flood management and protection of downstream urban areas • Mekong River • Rapid private sector development of private sector hydropower concessions on tributaries not foreseen – Agreement has limited influence on cumulative impacts Broader political and administrative context

• Southern African Development Community • Opportunities resulting from post-apartheid reconciliation in South Africa • Framework of political cooperation – led to Protocol on Shared Watercourses • Mekong River • Economic dependency of Laos: • on hydropower exports to Thailand • on direct investment from PRC • Influence of Vietnam on Laos - shared political backgrounds • Disjointed national / sector planning processes due to political influence • General - bureaucratic inertia • Risk averse approaches - time consuming processes • Vested interests • Restricted sharing of information/data Broader economic and development dialogue

• Mekong River • Influence of Greater Mekong Subregional Program (GMS) (e.g. energy trade and connectivity, agricultural program, environmental program) • Wider basin development cooperation sponsored by China – Lancang Mekong Cooperation (LMC) • ASEAN economic integration • Bilateral development assistance programs • Congo • Discussions on regional power pool agreement • Question over economic and political stability • Central Asia • Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) • Changing bilateral relationships between countries Stakeholder engagement and influence • Mississippi • regular public hearings along the river with public and MRC Members • Murray Darling Basin Authority • etesie osultatios o luepit to restore river health • recently challenged over extent of consultation with indigenous groups • Itaipu (Brazil – Paraguay) • formalized processes related to benefit sharing mechanisms with local communities • Mekong • stakeholder consultations on mainstream dam proposals – frustrations over extent of influence • inter-country Joint Working Group – technical experts Technical cooperation across borders

• EU Water Framework Directive – the Common Implementation Strategy • elaborated working arrangements among Member States for implementation of the Water Framework Directive • established working groups to prepare technical guidance and guidelines

• Mekong Expert Groups • 4 joint technical groups to discuss sectoral issues prior to consideration by the governance bodies of the Commission • Basin Planning • Environmental Management • Data Modelling and Forecasting • Strategy and Partnership Reflections - prioritize rather than generalize

Integrated water resources management is a useful guiding framework, but it is important for an RBO to: • focus on the critical areas and functions where its coordinating and facilitating role brings added value • addess big picture oes that a make a difference, rather than getting diverted by minor issues • maintain a separation of roles – oesee ad deelope • ensure effective mechanisms for engagement with stakeholders Ganga Cultural Documentation Project

INDIAN NATIonal trust for art and cultural heritage Project Objectives

❖River Is A Cultural Stream Providing Culturally Based Eco-system Services • Twin Issues Of Pollution And Anaemic Flow Have Negatively Affected Cultural Sites, Activities, Natural Heritage Along The River Banks • No Single Document Which Carries A Cultural Narrative Of The River And Hence Need To Develop Appreciation Of The River As A Cultural Stream • An Annual Calendar Of Events And Rituals • A Knowledge Of The Sublime Aspects Of The River Can Influence Public Attitudes As Well As Proposed Interventions THE WORK GEOGRAPHY

Ganga Basin

River Ganga originates from Gangotri Glacier and empties in Bay of Bengal after covering a distance of 2525 km. Ptolemy Cosmographia 2nd Centure AD

Gangotri, Fraser, 1820

The qualities of Ganga water are: Coolness, Sweetness, Transparency, High Tonic properties, wholesomeness, portability, ability to remove evils, ability to resuscitate from swoon caused by dehydration, digestive property and ability to retain wisdom.

Dakshineshwar Math

Ganga Dussehra, Ganga Sagar Daniells, Hardwar

SRINGAVERAPURA Chet Singh Fort Darbhanga Palace Patna

Chanakya’s Gufa Chandernagore

West of Allahabad West of Patna Ancient Bridges

The Rope Bridge in Srinagar, Garhwal, built over the Alaknanda in 1784 Wilson Bridge at Bhaironghati Located at an altitude of 11,000 feet, the Gartang Galion is a bridge cut out of the mountain on a sheer rock face. Located in District Uttarkashi, the bridge was built by Pathan and Tibetan traders to carry out trade with Tibet Devprayag - Alaknanda Storm on the Ganges – William Hodges, 1790

Barrackpore From : Victor Mallett Don’t Dig A Well When You are Thirsty

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