Water Resources

INDIA-BANGLADESH COOPERATION

  • Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission: It has been functioning since 1972 with a view to maintain liaison in order to ensure the most effective joint efforts in maximizing the benefits from common river systems. It is headed by Ministers of Water Resources of both the countries.
  • Treaty on Sharing of Ganga Waters at Farakka: It was signed in 1996 for the sharing of Ganga waters at Farakka during the lean season. As per the Treaty, the Ganga waters is being shared at Farakka (which is the last coptrol point on river Ganga in India) during lean period, from 1st January to 31 May every year. The validity of Treaty is 30 years.

INDIA-BHUTAN COOPERATION

  • A scheme titled “Comprehensive Scheme for Establishment of Hydro-Meteorological and Flood Forecasting Network on rivers common to India and Bhutan” is in operation.
  • The network consists of 32 hydro-meteorological stations located in Bhutan and is being maintained by the Royal Government of Bhutan with funding from India.
  • The data received from these stations is utilized in India by the Central Water Commission for formulating flood forecasts.
  • A Joint Group of Experts Team on Flood Management has been constituted between India and Bhutan to discuss and assess the probable causes and effects of the recurring floods and erosions.

INDIA-CHINA COOPERATION

  • During the visit of Prime Minister of China to India in 2010, a new MoU upon provision of hydrological information of Sutlej /Langquin Zangbu river in flood season by China to India with a validity of five years has been signed with China.

INDIA-NEPAL COOPERATION

  • The 6th meeting of India-Nepal Joint Committee on Water Resources (JCWR) was held in 2011 in New Delhi.
  • During the meeting, all issues related to cooperation in water resources including Mahakali Treaty were discussed.
  • Pancheshwar Multipurpose project is a part of the Mahakali Treaty.
  • Progress of investigation of Sapta Kosi High Dam Project and Sun Kosi Storage-cum-diversion Scheme were also reviewed and measures for expediting were agreed upon.

INDIA-PAKISTAN CO-OPERATION

  • Under the Indus Water Treaty, 1960, India and Pakistan each have created a permanent post of Commissioner for Indus Waters.
  • The two Commissioners together form the Permanent Indus Commission.
  • The daily gauge discharge data of hydrological sites of six basins, Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej of Indus system is sent to Pakistan every month and also received from Pakistan.

CENTRAL WATER COMMISSION

  • Central Water Commission with its Headquarters in New Delhi is a premier Technical Organization in the country in the field of Water Resources since 1945.
  • The Commission is entrusted with the responsibility of initiative, coordinating and furthering, in consultation with States, schemes for control, conservation and utilization of water resources throughout the country for the purpose of Flood Control, Irrigation, Drinking Water Supply and Power Development.
  • Central Water Commission is headed by the Chairman with status of an Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India.
  • The National Water Academy, Pune headed by a Chief Engineer is also a part of the Commission.
  • The Activities of CWC are: Flood Forecasting and Assistance to State Governments in Flood Management; Collection and Analysis of Hydrological Data; Techno- Economic Appraisal of Projects; Monitoring of Projects and Projects receiving Central Assistance; Design of Projects; Surveys, Investigations etc.