Minutes of the 55 meeting of the Brahmaputra Board held on ...brahmaputraboard.gov.in/NER/Archive/Meetings_of... · Minutes of the 55th meeting of the Brahmaputra Board held on June

Minutes of the 55th meeting of the Brahmaputra Board held on

June 15, 2012 at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

The 55th meeting of Brahmaputra Board was held at Itanagar under the

Chairmanship of Shri Kashindra Yadav, Chairman, Brahmaputra Board. The list of

participants is at Annex –I.

The Chairman while welcoming all participants in the meeting, appreciated the

kind gesture, excellent hospitality, co-operation extended by Water Resources

Department, Government of Arunachal Pradesh and thanked Shri Likar Angu,

Chief Engineer, for all efforts made by him and officials of Water Resources

Department, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Shri Likar Angu expressed happiness and gratitude to Members / Participants on

their arrival in Arunachal Pradesh for participation in the meeting of Brahmaputra

Board and conveyed message of Shri Tinkhatra, Hon’ble Minister, Water

Resources and the Parliamentary Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh for all-round

success of the 55th Meeting of Brahmaputra Board. Further, in his presentation, he

highlighted problems being faced by Arunachal Pradesh, almost every monsoon

on account of flood, river bank erosion, landslides, soil erosion, siltation and

migratory and braiding nature of rivers in Arunachal Pradesh and projected need

of ` 660 crore in Water Resources sector for Structural and Non-Structural

measures, during the12th Five Year Plan.

With permission of the Chairman, the agenda for the meeting was presented by

the Secretary, Brahmaputra Board for discussions among the Members.

Item no. 55.1(i) Confirmation of Minutes of the 54th (Adjourned) Meeting of

Brahmaputra Board held on 11.02.2012 at Aizawl

It was informed by the Secretary, Brahmaputra Board that no comments

were received from any Member of the Board. Considering the fact, the

Minutes of the 54th (Adjourned) meeting of Brahmaputra Board were

confirmed.

2

Item 55.1(ii) Follow up action on decisions of the previous Board Meetings

Sl.

No

Agenda Item in

brief

Current Status / Follow up

Action on decisions taken in

earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

1. Item No. 45.2(iii)

The concurrence of

Ministry of Water

Resources (MoWR)

to be obtained

before approval of

the Board for write-

off of the Damage

to the tune of `

33,83,361 caused

by flood of 2004 in

Pagladiya Dam

Project

Matter is under examination

in the Ministry. Last reminder

in this regard was sent to

Ministry of Water Resources

on 11.08.2011.

Commissioner (B&B),

MoWR informed that he

would check the status

and take appropriate

action at the earliest.

2 Item No. 52.2 (ii)

Conferment of

temporary status to

casual labourers of

Brahmaputra Board

MoWR communicated vide

its letter dated 13.02.2012

[Annexure-55(b)] that

temporary status would be

conferred only to those

casual labourers, who

fulfilled criteria laid down in

the DOP&T’s O.M. No.

51016/2/90-Estt (C) dated

10.09.1993. As per above

O.M., casual labourers who

were in employment on the

date of issue of the said O.M.

and who rendered a

continuous service of at least

one year, which means that

they must have been

engaged for a period of at

least 240 days (206 days in

case of offices observing 5

days week). As Brahmaputra

Board follows rules, time to

time, issued by Central

Government, it was advised

Members noted the

position.

3

Sl.

No

Agenda Item in

brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

to place the above on

record before the Hon’ble

Tribunal.

A Committee constituted by

Brahmaputra Board, to

examine the prospect for

conferment of “Temporary

Status” to casual workers of

Brahmaputra Board as per

Government of India’s rules,

found that temporary status

to 8 (eight) casual labourers

may be conferred.

Accordingly, a proposal for

conferment of temporary

status to 8 (eight) casual

labourers has been

submitted to MoWR for their

view, before issue of formal

order in this regard.

3 Item No. 52.2 (iii)

Ratification of the

decision / approval

of the Standing

Committee of

Brahmaputra Board

In pursuance of the decision

of the 54th (Adjourned)

Board Meeting, the Director

(M&A), CWC Guwahati has

been included as a special

invitee in the capacity of

Cost Expert in the Standing

Committee of Brahmaputra

Board in place of Shri

Deepak Kumar, SE (C),

B&BBO, CWC, Shillong.

Members noted the

position.

4 Item No. 53.2(iii)

Data transfer of

Kynshi Stage-I & II

Dam Project to the

Government of

Meghalaya

In pursuance to decision of

MoWR, communication was

made to the Government of

Meghalaya for initiating

necessary formalities for (a)

transfer of data / information

and (b) reimbursement of

` 639.87 lakh and `

400.10 lakh to Brahmaputra

Member from

Meghalaya could not

participate in the

meeting. Commissioner

(B&B), MoWR urged the

Board to take up the

issue consistently with

the concerned

Department of

4

Sl.

No

Agenda Item in

brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

Board and NEC respectively

towards Survey &

Investigation in respect of

Kynshi Stage-I and Kynshi

Stage-II Projects. Response is

awaited. Last reminder was

sent on the 16th May 2012.

Government of

Meghalaya with regard

to the recovery of

investigation cost of the

Kynshi-Stage-I and

Stage II Projects handed

over to private

developers.

5 Item No. 53.2(iv)

Approval of

Dudhnoi-Krishnai,

Beki-Manas-Aie,

Bargang and

Tipakai Sub-Basin

Master Plans

All the concerned State

Governments have been

requested on 29.05.2012 to

examine and furnish their

comments on Master Plans.

Response is awaited from

them.

JS&FA sought the view

of State Government

representatives present

in the meeting about

the implementation of

projects, identified in

the Master Plans. The

Chief Engineer, Water

Resources Department,

Arunachal Pradesh

opined that all data

required for formulation

of Projects are not

included in the Master

Plan making it difficult

to act upon the

recommendations in

the Master Plan. It was

clarified that based

upon projects identified

in the Master Plans

Detailed Project Reports

would be needed for

implementation of

projects. Member from

Manipur felt that the

Master Plans prepared

by the Board are very

useful. The Member

from Nagaland

informed that due to

lack of coordination

between Water

Resources Department

and other concerned

5

Sl.

No

Agenda Item in

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earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

Departments in

Nagaland, they could

not act upon the

recommendations in

the Master Plans so far.

He informed the Master

Plans would be used as

a guide for

development of water

resources in the State.

The representative from

Assam informed that all

projects being

executed by Assam are

based on the provisions

in the Master Plans.

Chairman sought

specific details from the

States on Projects

already implemented

and projects under

process of

implementation and

under contemplation /

formulation, based

upon the

recommendations in

the Master Plans. He

urged all Member

States to share

information on

implementation of

recommendations in

the Mater Plans, with

the Brahmaputra Board

to understand their

usefulness, new aspects

to be included and

scope of modification in

aspects already

covered in the Master

Plans.

Members from the

states assured that the

status of

6

Sl.

No

Agenda Item in

brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

implementation of

recommendations of

Master plans will be

submitted by the State

Governments within two

months.

It was unanimously

decided to have a

standing Agenda in all

Meetings of

Brahmaputra Board on

implementation of

recommendations of

Master Plans by State

Governments.

6 Item No. 53.2(vii)

Extending benefit

of Voluntary

Retirement Scheme

(VRS) to Shri Jogen

Talukdar, ex-LDC of

Brahmaputra Board

in view of the CAT’s

order

Board, in its 53rd Meeting,

decided to challenge the

CAT Order to treat Shri

Jogen Talukdar for voluntary

retirement under the VRS

scheme with all

consequential benefits in

Hon’ble Guwahati High

Court. Accordingly, MoWR

was requested for vetting of

the writ appeal. Response is

awaited.

As advised in the 54th

(Adjourned) Meeting,

quarterly returns on pending

Court cases are submitted to

MoWR.

It was decided that the

Board would pursue the

issue vigorously with

MoWR.

7

Sl.

No

Agenda Item in

brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

7 Item No. 53.2(viii)

Extension of

Emergency

Passage

Concession

facilities to the

employees of

Brahmaputra Board

The Board, in its 53rd

Meeting, unanimously

decided to recommend

implementation of special

allowances such as

Emergency Passage

Concession, benefit of

double HRA and other

benefits admissible to

Central Government Staff on

posting in North Eastern

Region from outside, in

Brahmaputra Board and

advised Brahmaputra Board

for taking up the matter

suitably with the Ministry for

obtaining formal approval.

As directed by the Board, a

self-contained proposal has

been submitted to MoWR.

Response is awaited.

It was advised to

Brahmaputra Board to

submit a detailed

proposal addressing all

queries of MoWR

adequately, along with

all relevant enclosures

for an early decision of

the Ministry. Members

from the Ministry

assured to look into the

matter.

8 Item No. 53.2(x)

Need of Reform in

Brahmaputra Board

Following issues fall under this

item –

(a) Middle level cadre

management of

Engineering cadre in

Brahmaputra Board

In pursuance to the decision

taken in the 53rd Meeting, a

proposal on providing

Personal Promotion (PP) to

the middle level Engineering

officers has been submitted

to MoWR for obtaining and

communicating approval of

Ministry of Finance.

(b) Deputation to

Brahmaputra Board from

outside North East

JS&FA, MoWR felt that it

would be desirable to

confer proper

designations to such

officials of Brahmaputra

Board since it has no

extra financial liability.

Commissioner (B&B)

nodded with the above

view.

8

Sl.

No

Agenda Item in

brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

It was felt by the Members in

earlier Meetings that

inapplicability of the special

benefits and concessions as

admissible to Central

Government employees on

posting in North-Eastern

Region may be one among

reasons in not attracting

capable officers from

outside in joining

Brahmaputra Board.

It was decided to club this

item with proposal to be

submitted to MoWR for Item

No: 53.2(viii).

Proposal is under

consideration in MoWR.

(c) Role of General Manager

and Chief Engineers in

Brahmaputra Board in the

reformed set up

Vice-Chairman, General

Manager and Chief Engineer

(Level-I) are placed in the

same pay band and grade

pay. In view of this, creation

of post of CE (Floods &

Technical Coordination)

replacing the post of Vice-

Chairman was proposed.

It was decided by Board to

link this proposal with

restructuring proposal of

Brahmaputra Board.

(d) Administrative posts

On account of poor

response to vacancy

circulars to fill up the

sanctioned administrative

posts - Deputy Secretary,

Under Secretary and others –

on deputation from outside,

It was decided that a

proposal may be sent to

MoWR for

implementation of

Special Allowances in

the Brahmaputra Board.

The difficulty being

experienced in filling up

the vacant posts

through deputation

may be highlighted in

the proposal.

Members noted the

position

It was decided to

pursue the matter with

the Ministry.

9

Sl.

No

Agenda Item in

brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

these posts are vacant in

Brahmaputra Board for long.

Inapplicability of the special

benefits and concessions as

admissible to Central

Government employees on

posting in North-Eastern

Region was considered one

among the reasons.

A proposal, in pursuance to

the decision of Board, has

been submitted to MoWR for

extending all such

concessions / benefits

available to other Central

Government organizations in

the North East to

Brahmaputra Board also for

approval. Response of

MoWR is awaited.

(e) Upgradation of the post of

Chairman, Brahmaputra

Board

In pursuance to the decision

taken by Board in earlier

Meetings, a proposal has

been submitted to MoWR on

03.08.2011 for upgradation

of post of Chairman,

Brahmaputra to the level of

Chairman, CWC, as

prevalent prior to the year

2001 and fixation of tenure

of 3 / 5 years for providing

continuity and effectiveness

in functioning of

Brahmaputra Board.

The issues are under

consideration in the Ministry.

Restructuring of

Brahmaputra Board is

under consideration in

the Ministry. This issue is

covered in the proposal

of restructuring of

Brahmaputra Board.

9 Item No. 53.2(xi)

Change of Board

Member to

represent

The confirmation for

maintaining status quo, in

the light of assertion of

Chairman, Brahmaputra

Board pointed out that


10

Sl.

No

Agenda Item in

brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

Government of

Meghalaya

Member of Meghalaya in

the 53rd Meeting, with regard

to earlier request of

Government of Meghalaya

to nominate Chief Engineer

(WR) in place of Chief

Engineer, PWD (R) is yet to

be received.


Government of

Meghalaya may be the

appropriate officer to

represent the

Meghalaya in the

Board. JS&FA and

Commissioner (B&B),

MoWR also supported

the view of the

Chairman. After

deliberations on the

issue it was decided to

send a letter to

Government of

Meghalaya to consider



as Member of

Brahmaputra Board.

10 Item No. 53.2(xvi)

Revival of posts in

Brahmaputra Board

which has fallen

into ‘deemed to

have been

abolished’

category’

As a follow up of the

decision of Board taken in its

53rd meeting, a proposal for

revival of the posts of Deputy

Chief Engineer, Deputy

Secretary and Stenographer

Grade-III (now re-designated

as Steno Gr-II) in

Brahmaputra Board, fallen

into ‘deemed to have been

abolished’ category with the

functional justifications has

been submitted to MoWR

on 2nd September 2011.


Member (Tech), IWAI

informed that no

technical posts fall

under the ‘deemed to

have been abolished’

category as per

relevant orders of the

Central Government. It

was agreed to take up

the matter with the

Ministry with supporting

documents regarding

non-inclusion of

technical posts in the

‘deemed to have been

abolished’ category.

11 Item No. 53.2(xvii)

Filling up of the

posts of Chief

Engineer (I&W) and

the Secretary in

Brahmaputra Board

The Board in its 53rd Meeting

consented for bringing posts

of Chief Engineer (I&W) and

Secretary in the cadre of

Brahmaputra Board in place

of filling up these posts on

deputation through open

advertisement. Accordingly,

JS&FA, MoWR stressed

the need to push the

issue at the appropriate

level to get an early

clearance.

11

Sl.

No

Agenda Item in

brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

proposal for amendment of

‘Recruitment Rules’ suitably

to fill up the posts of Chief

Engineer (I&W) and

Secretary on regular basis

from the officers of

Brahmaputra Board Cadre

was submitted to the Ministry

on 3.8.2011. No response has

yet been received from the

Ministry.


Review of the

progress of

activities of

Brahmaputra Board

Suffering of works on

account of inadequacy of

Technical Officials in North

Eastern Hydraulic & Allied

Research Institute (NEHARI)

was discussed under this

agenda item. As directed by

the Board, the Ministry has

been requested for an early

sanction of the posts for

NEHARI.

The Chairman informed

that till date, since

November 2011, more

than 80 schemes

under Flood

Management

Programme (FMP) of

Ministry of Water

Resources have been

received by the Board

for appraisal from North

Eastern States, Sikkim

and West Bengal.

Earlier, it was not part of

job of Brahmaputra

Board. With the above

additional work, work

load of Brahmaputra

Board has increased

considerably. Appraisal

of schemes under FMP is

time specific task.

Engagement of

consultants pending

creation of posts will be

of immense help.

In reply to above,

JS&FA, MoWR informed

that as per GFR of

Government of India

outsourcing would be a

better option. However,

12

Sl.

No

Agenda Item in

brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

creation and filling up of

posts should also be

taken up on priority.

13

Item No. 54.2 (i)

Approval of Master

Plans of Sankosh

Sub-basin and

Tangani Sub-basin

India Meteorological

Department has made an

observation on both the

Master Plans.

The observation of IMD has

been attended to and a

corrigendum accordingly

has been circulated among

the Board Members. No

comment / view has since

been received from the

other Board Members.

The Master Plans of Sankosh

Sub-basin and Tangani Sub-

basin are, therefore, placed

under Item No. 55.2(i) for

approval by the Board.

Draft Master Plans of

Sankosh and Tangani

Sub-Basins have been

circulated among

Board Members.

Representative from

Assam sought one

month time to respond.

Representative from

West Bengal desired to

have an additional

copy of Master Plans. A

Power-Point

presentation was made

in the meeting on the

salient features of

Sankosh Master Plan.

Member (Tech), IWAI

urged for inclusion of

hydrographic survey of

river in Master Plan for

navigation purpose. He

was requested to send

a comprehensive

proposal detailing

therein activities to be

taken up for inclusion in

Master Plans.

14 Item No. 54.2(ii)

Refund of unspent

balance to

sponsoring

agencies for the

completed deposit

works of “Impact

Evaluation Studies

of 4 (four)

Watersheds in

Meghalaya” and

of “Implementation

of Watershed

As per decision of the Board,

amounts of ` 6,78,562/- and

` 90,785/- have been

refunded to the respective

authorities viz the Ministry of

Agriculture, Government of

India and the Department of

Agriculture, Government of

Assam respectively on 21-05-

2012.

Members noted the

position.

13

Sl.

No

Agenda Item in

brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

Development

Project under

NWDPRA”


Appraisal of

Detailed Project

Reports at regional

office of CWC and

Brahmaputra

Board.

As decided by the Board in

the meeting, Brahmaputra

Board has reorganized the

technical manpower

available with Board to take

up the additional works.

As on date, 82 schemes, only

under Flood Management

Programme of Ministry of

Water Resources, have been

received from States falling

in the jurisdiction of

Brahmaputra Board for

appraisal. This is not one time

job. Thus additional

supporting hands are

essentially required to cope

with the additional work, for

smooth functioning and also

without affecting adversely

other jobs in Brahmaputra

Board.

Members noted the

position.

16 Item No. 54.2(iv)

Ratification of the

decision / approval

of the Standing

Committee of

Brahmaputra Board

in its 47th meeting.

The Minutes of the 47th

meeting of the Standing


Board were recirculated

among the Members of

Brahmaputra Board.

The matter is separately

placed under Item No.

55.2(iv) for ratification of the

Board.

Members noted the

position.

14

Item 55.1(iii) Review of the progress of activities of Brahmaputra Board up to

30.04.2012

Status of the various activities taken up by Brahmaputra Board and decisions

taken by the Committee on them, are detailed hereunder-

Sl. No Agenda Item

in brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

1.1 Preparation of

Master Plans

All 57 Master Plans have

been completed by

Brahmaputra Board. Out of

above, 49 Master Plans have

been approved by

Government of India and

remaining 8 Master Plans are

under circulation among

Brahmaputra Board

Members for their views. No

response has so far been

received from any Member.

It was apprised to the

Members that 8 remaining

Master Plans were

prepared by Brahmaputra

Board during the year

2011-12 and they have

been submitted to

Members for their views.

Additional 11 Master Plans

have been identified and

works on them are in

progress. Commissioner

(BB), MoWR requested

Members to expedite

submission of their

comments on 8 Master

Plans circulated by

Brahmaputra Board.

1.2 Drainage

Development

Schemes

34 drainage-congested

areas in Brahmaputra and

Barak basin have been

identified in the Master Plan

of Brahmaputra River (Main

Stem). Subsequently 7 more

drainage-congested areas

have been identified in the

Brahmaputra Basin. Thus

total identified drainage-

congested areas, based

upon studies carried out in

49 approved Master Plans,

come to 41.

Status on formulation of

Drainage Development

Schemes (DDS), along with

status on Implementation of

11 Drainage Development

Schemes (DDS) cleared by

It was informed to the

Members that the

requirement of land for

implementation of

Kailashahar DDS in Tripura

was taken up with the

State Government of

Tripura after obtaining

clearance of the Project

from CWC. However, the

State expressed its inability

to make the required land

available. It was, further

impressed upon the

Members that it takes a lot

of labour, time and

money in bringing a

scheme to the level of

execution. Such an

obstacle is needed to be

15

Sl. No Agenda Item

in brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

Central Water Commission,

as furnished as Annex-II, was

apprised to the Members.

obviated. Commissioner

(B&B), MoWR opined that

in future, forehand

commitment of the State

for providing land may be

obtained before

formulation of project

proposals.

1.3 ‘Survey and

Investigation’

of Water

Resources

Projects

The Brahmaputra Board

took-up 14 Water Resources

Projects in Brahmaputra and

Barak Basins and in the south

flowing rivers of Meghalaya

for ‘Survey & Investigation’

and preparation of Detailed

Project Reports (DPRs).

Detailed Project Reports in

respect of some of these

projects have already been

completed and the others

are under ‘Survey and

Investigation’. The status on

‘Survey & Investigation’ of

the Water Resources

Projects, as appended as

Annex-III, was apprised to

the Members.

Commissioner (B&B),

MoWR stated that Kulsi

and Noa-Dehing have

been identified as

National Projects by the

Government of India. He

stressed upon the need of

completion of ‘Survey and

Investigation’ on priority

basis and completion of

preparation of Detailed

Project Reports of two

projects by 31st March

2013.

1.4 Survey &

Investigation of

Mini

Hydelprojects

The Brahmaputra Board has

taken up the following 3

(three) Mini Hydel projects in

Meghalaya for ‘Survey &

Investigation’ and

preparation of Detailed

Project Reports (DPRs)-

(a) (Myntang Mini Hydel

Project (20 MW)

(b) Umkhen Stage-I Mini

Hydel Project (5 MW) and

(c) Umkhen Stage-II Mini

Hydel Project (4 MW)

Hydrological and

Preliminary Power Potential

Studies in respect of these

projects have been carried

Members noted the status

16

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in brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

out. ‘Survey and

Investigation’ and

preparation of DPRs of these

projects are targeted to be

accomplished by the year

2013-14.

1.5 North Eastern

Hydraulic &

Allied

Research

Institute

(NEHARI)

A total of ` 337.64 lakh

revenue has been earned so

far by NEHARI during the

year 2011-12. Out of above,

revenue of ` 7.06 lakh has

been earned by NEHARI

towards carrying out various

departmental works. A

‘Physical Model of Majuli

Island’ has also been

established at NEHARI for

understanding Brahmaputra

River behaviour for

undertaking remedial

measures for protection of

Majuli Island from floods and

bank erosion. On

recommendations of 6th visit

of Standing Committee of

Experts on Majuli held during

the period from 6th to 8th

November 2010, three

alternative alignments for

construction of guide bund

in Brahmaputra River on right

bank, as a durable measure

for protection of Majuli Island

from floods and bank

erosion, have been studied

and are to be placed

before the Standing

Committee of Experts on

Majuli in the next meeting.

Members noted the

position.

2 CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

2.1 Pagladiya

Dam Project

Secretary, Water Resources

Department (WRD),

Government of Assam

referred to the statement

The JS & FA and

Commissioner (B&B),

MoWR felt the need of an

early resolution of issue of

17

Sl. No Agenda Item

in brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

made by the Hon’ble Chief

Minister, Assam in the 6th

High Powered Review Board

Meeting held on 18th

January 2012 about one

more effort he would like to

make with Boroland

Territorial Council (BTC) to

break the deadlock on

Pagladiya Project.

Outcome of such an effort

on the part of Government

of Assam is not yet known.

As apprised to the Members

in the immediate preceding

Board meeting,

Brahmaputra Board is

incurring recurring monthly

expenditure to the tune of `

3.35 lakh towards

establishment of work-

charged, home guard and

outsourced personnel for

watch and ward of assets

created under the project

and protection of lands

acquired under the project

from unauthorized

encroachers. The Secretary,

Water Resources

Department, Government

of Assam has been

requested by Brahmaputra

Board for communicating

decision on the above issue

through letter No:

BB/CE(I&W)/T-2011/710-12

dated 30th May 2012.

In consideration of above,

Members may take decision

for (a) transfer of all lands

acquired for the project to

the Government of Assam

(b) withdrawal /

disengagement of

acquiring balance land

for the project by the

Water Resources

Department, Government

of Assam and handing

over the land to

Brahmaputra Board for

resumption of suspended

works under the project

without further loss of time.

It was suggested to

arrange a meeting with

the Secretary, Water


urgently and decide the

issue by the 31st July 2012.

18

Sl. No Agenda Item

in brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

personnel posted at various

work sites by Brahmaputra

Board and (c) deletion of

execution of Pagladiya

Dam Project from the list of

assignments with

Brahmaputra Board.

Reminder for

communicating decision in

regard was sent on

13.06.2012.

2.2 Flood Management and Anti-erosion

Schemes

2.2.1

Protection of

Majuli Island

Physical progress up to

March 2012 under Phase-II &

III is 39.07% at the

expenditure of ` 39.09 crore,

against the sanctioned

estimate of ` 115.99 crore.

Construction of boulder spurs

at three sites (1, 2 and 3) is

currently in progress.

The ‘Standing Committee of

Experts on Majuli’ in its 6th

visit of Majuli Island during

the period from 6th to 8th

November 2010,

recommended for

construction of guide bunds

to channelize river flow with

the view to protect Majuli

Island from recurring floods

and bank erosion. Various

alternatives for alignment of

guide bunds have been

examined / studied through

‘Physical Model Study’ of

Majuli Island set up at North

Eastern Hydraulic & Allied

Research Institute (NEHARI),

North Guwahati. Final

selection is to be made on

confirmation through

‘Mathematical Model Study’

assigned to Central Water

A status note on

Protection of Majuli Island

from flood and erosion

was circulated to all

Members and

Representatives present in

the meeting. Members

noted the status and

advised Brahmaputra

Board to complete the

works in hand within the

given time limit, i.e. 31st

March, 2014.

19

Sl. No Agenda Item

in brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

and Power Research Station

(CWPRS), Pune. Based upon

the ‘Physical Model Study’

carried out at NEHARI,

Brahmaputra Board has

come out with three

alternatives. Preliminary

design, assessment of

quantum of work involved

and estimation of financial

implication are in advanced

stage of finalization. The

above proposal will be

placed before the ‘Standing

Committee of Experts on

Majuli’ for final decision on

alignment of guide bund in

its next meeting.

2.2.2 Restoration of

rivers Dibang

and Lohit to

their original

courses at

Dholla

Hatighuli

The EFC has approved the

revised estimate amounting

to `54.43 crore in November,

2011. Physical progress of

48.31% has been achieved

upto April, 2012 against an

expenditure of ` 26.30 crore.

Balance works are being

taken up and the project is

targeted for completion by

March, 2013.

Members noted the status

of work and advised

Brahmaputra Board to

complete the works in

hand within the given time

limit.

2.3 Execution of Drainage Development Schemes

2.3.1 Harang

Drainage

Development

Scheme

The scheme located in Barak

Valley on the border of

Bangladesh near Badarpur

with estimated cost of `

30.49 crore has been

completed physically in all

respect during March, 2011.

It was decided in the

recently concluded 49th



Board on the 29th May 2012

to hand over remaining

components – two sluices –

of the scheme to the Water

The progress of works on

various Drainage

Development Schemes

was discussed in the

meeting. It was felt by the

Members that completed

schemes may urgently be

handed to the concerned

State Governments for an

early realization of

envisaged benefits from

the schemes.

Brahmaputra Board may

make all out efforts to

resume suspended works

20

Sl. No Agenda Item

in brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board


(WRD) of Assam in the first

week of June 2012.

Necessary request for

transfer of scheme was sent

to Water Resources

Department, Government of

Assam on 04.06.2012.

Reminder to this effect was

issued on 12.06.2012


under some schemes on

one or other reasons.

2.3.2 East of Barpeta

Drainage

Development

Scheme

The original estimate of the

project was for ` 1.34 crore

and it was revised to ` 2.96

crore. The scheme was

taken up for execution in

March, 2009 and completed

in June, 2011. Expenditure

incurred against this scheme

is ` 2.70 crore upto March,

2012. It was decided in the

recently concluded 49th



Board on the 29th May 2012

to hand over the scheme to

the Water Resources

Department (WRD) of Assam

in the first week of June 2012.

In pursuance to above

necessary request for transfer

of scheme was sent by

Brahmaputra Board to Water

Resources Department,

Government of Assam on

04.06.2012. Reminder to this

effect was issued on

12.06.2012. Response is

awaited.

21

Sl. No Agenda Item

in brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

2.3.3 Jakaichuk

Drainage

Development

Scheme

The scheme is under

execution in Brahmaputra

Board since 2008. An

amount of ` 1.35 crore till

March, 2012 has been spent

against the estimated cost of

` 2.96 crore with physical

progress of 45% and further

progress of work is held up

since November 2010 due to

objection of the local

inhabitants on non-existence

of an overflow section in

the sluice. The sluice has

been designed by IIT,

Guwahati. Efforts are on to

arrange immediate visit of

the concerned designer

from IIT Guwahati to the

project site for an early

finalization of the design

parameters of the overflow

section so that work could

be resumed without any

further loss of time.

2.3.5 Amjur

Drainage

Development

Scheme

Techno-economic

clearance of the scheme for

an amount of ` 14.15 crore

was received in January,

2006. The execution of Amjur

DDS was taken up in the

year 2006-07. Out of the two

components (i.e. sluice

regulator and

embankment), the work for

‘Raising and Strengthening’

of existing embankment was

taken up first. Process of land

acquisition for construction

of new embankment as well

as remaining part of ‘Raising

and strengthening’ work is

going on. The design of the

sluice is assigned to CWC.

At the total expenditure of `

22

Sl. No Agenda Item

in brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

10.99 crore till March 2012,

against the sanctioned cost

of `14.15 crore, 32 % physical

progress has been achieved

under the scheme. Further

progress of work is held up

on account of delay in

finalization of land

acquisition for the scheme.

2.3.6 Jengrai

Drainage

Development

Scheme

Techno-economic

clearance of Jengrai DDS

was received in the year

2006-07. The scheme is

presently under execution.

The physical progress of work

under Jengrai DDS is 27% at

the total expenditure of `

1.04 crore against the

sanctioned amount of ` 1.49

crore. Further progress of

work was held up since

March 2008. Revised

estimate amounting to ` 4.29

crore was submitted to CWC

in March 2010, based on

detailed design of the sluice.

Some observations on the

revised estimate raised by

CWC have subsequently

been complied and the

modified DPR has also been

submitted to CWC. The

target date of completion of

the scheme is March, 2014.

2.3.7 Singla and

Kailashahar

Drainage

Development

Schemes

Techno-economic

clearance in respect of (a)

Singla and (b) Kailashahar

Drainage Development

Schemes was also received in

the year 2006-07. Due to non

availability of required land

for the execution of Singla

and Kailashahar drainage

development schemes, as

per the provisions of DPRs,

23

Sl. No Agenda Item

in brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

alternative studies with

changed scope of work for

the schemes are in progress.

3.0 Flood Control

and River

Management

Works Under

Flood

Management

Programme

(State Sector

Scheme)

Chief Engineer (I&W),

Brahmaputra Board

informed the Members

regarding details of funds

released to N.E. States,

Sikkim and West Bengal

under Flood Management

Programme during XI Plan as

stated below-

Name of

state

Funds

released up-

to March,

2012 (` in

Crore)

Assam 748.86

Arunachal

Pradesh

80.409

West Bengal 13.394

Sikkim 83.689

Nagaland 28.965

Manipur 66.3365

Tripura 23.625

Meghalaya 3.814

Mizoram 14.4845

Total 1063.58

It was informed that

Government of Assam is

seriously following up FMP

Schemes of Assam with

Brahmaputra Board. The

Hon’ble Minister of Water

Resources, Assam has

taken two meetings with

Brahmaputra Board

officials in this connection

and about 20 schemes

had jointly been visited by

Board officials till date.

The same kind of

pursuance is not visible in

case of other States.

Commissioner (B&B),

MoWR urged all the States

to come forward with the

Schemes in their

respective States to derive

benefits from the Flood

Management Programme

of Government of India.

Members from Nagaland

as well as Arunachal

Pradesh narrated

attempts being made by

their States in identifying

Projects and their

implementation under

FMP. Chief Engineer,

Water Resources

Department, Arunachal

Pradesh informed that the

proposal – Integrated

Flood and River bank

Erosion Management

project (IFREM), Arunachal

Pradesh of estimated cost

24

Sl. No Agenda Item

in brief



earlier Meetings

Decision of the

Brahmaputra Board

of ` 396 crore - submitted

earlier was under revision

and resubmitted within

one month. West Bengal

informed that six Schemes

under FMP had recently

been submitted by West

Bengal. Commissioner

(B&B), MoWR suggested

that immediately after

getting such proposals

from State Governments,

Brahmaputra Board may

examine the proposals

and dispose them as per

the guidelines. Chairman

suggested that on

submission of proposal

under FMP, concerned

state officer may discuss

the proposal with

Brahmaputra Board on

mutually convenient date

and time to understand

issues, shortcomings and

areas of modification in

the proposal for speedy

clearance of the

proposal. Representative

from Sikkim informed that

Sikkim had submitted

some Schemes for storm

water drainage

development for Gangtok

city and they would

resubmit the proposals

after revision of cost as per

revised schedule of rates.

25

Item 55.1 (iv) Progressive Use of Hindi (During the period from 01.12.2011 To

30.04.2012)

Members noted the position and appreciated efforts of Brahmaputra

Board for propagating use of Hindi.

Item 55.1(v) The Award of Arbitration Proceedings in Petition No. 08 of 2008 -

M/s Poly Products -Versus-Brahmaputra Board

Members noted the position.

Item 55.2(i) Approval of Master Plans of Sankosh, Tangani, Simsang, Jaldhaka,

Um-N-Got, Kynshi, Torsa-Raidak and Teesta Sub- Basins

After deliberations, it was decided that comments would be

received from Member States on Master Plans up to 31st July 2012. If

no comment is received within the stipulated time, it would be

presumed that they have no comments to offer.

Item 55.2(ii) Approval of Annual Accounts of Brahmaputra Board for the year,

2011-12

Deputy Financial Adviser (DFA), Brahmaputra Board presented

Annual Accounts of Brahmaputra Board. DFA explained important

points of Annual Accounts and clarified to the points raised by

Members, such as the liability against the Harang Drainage

Development Scheme, the amount to be recovered from NHPC

against Dihang and Subansiri Projects, the depreciation shown under

item No.(vi) of Schedule -13 against Tipaimukh Dam Project and

others.

JS&FA, MoWR felt need of an early settlement of dispute on

acquisition of land, assessment of value and release of compensation

to oustees of Harang Drainage Development Scheme. JS&FA,

MoWR observed inconsistency in year wise expenditure incurred on

‘Seminar and Workshop’. It was explained that the expenditure on

upper side on ‘Seminar and Workshop’ was basically due to holding

more number of meetings during the year 2011-12 including the 6th

High Powered Review Board meeting – convened after a gap of five

years.

After deliberations, the Board approved the Annual Accounts.

Item 55.2(iii) Approval of Annual Report of Brahmaputra Board for the year, 2011-

12

JS&FA, MoWR while referring to the outstanding paras given in

Chapter-VII of the Report, emphasized the need of an early

settlement of outstanding audit paras through sincere efforts. It was

26

agreed that from next year onwards the Annual Report of the Board

would be reformed taking the suggestion of Members into

consideration. After deliberations, the Board approved the Annual

Report as presented.

Item 55.2(iv) Ratification of the decision / approval of 47th, 48th & 49th Meetings of

the Standing Committee of Brahmaputra Board

The Board ratified the decisions taken / approval accorded in 47th,

48th and 49th Meetings of the Standing Committee of Brahmaputra

Board.

Item No. 55.3 (i) Any other item (s) with permission of the Chairman

Chairman observed that in spite of adequate forehand invitations to

the Members for participation in the meetings of Brahmaputra Board,

participation level remains far from impressive. He requested all

members of Brahmaputra Board to ensure their participation in all

Board Meetings and take part in the deliberations actively to enable

Board to effectively discharge its obligatory responsibilities to serve

North Eastern Region of the country in the development of water

resources. Commissioner (B&B), MoWR urged all concerned States to

have more interaction to solve the issues in an effective manner.

The representative from Sikkim invited all Board Members to Gangtok

for their participation in the 7th High Powered Review Board Meeting

of Brahmaputra Board to be held at Gangtok (Sikkim).

It was informed by the Chairman, that Agenda notes from some of

the Member States had not been received for formulating

consolidated Agenda for 7th High Powered Review Board Meeting.

Members / representatives were requested to submit the agenda of

the above meeting urgently to the Board.

Item No. 55.3 (ii) Fixing date and venue of the 56th meeting of Brahmaputra

Board

It was decided to hold the 56th meeting of Brahmaputra Board in the

month of November 2012 at Imphal (Manipur).

The meeting ended with vote of thanks to the Chair.

27

Annex-I

List of Participants of the 55th Meeting of Brahmaputra Board held on 15-06-2012 at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

1. Shri Kashindra Yadav, Chairman, - Chairman

Brahmaputra Board

2. Shri Narendra Kumar, Commissioner (B&B), - Member


3. Shri Sunil Kohli, Joint Secretary & Financial Adviser, - Member


4. Shri T. Yanger Ao, Chief Engineer, IFC, Nagaland - Member

5. Shri Th. Indramani Sing, Chief Engineer, IFCD, Manipur - Member

6. Shri S. S. Pandian, Member (Tech), IWAI - Member

7. Shri L. Angu, Chief Engineer, WRD, Arunachal Pradesh - Member

8. Shri Awadhesh Kumar, Dy. D.G.M., I.M.D., Guwahati - Member

9. Shri U. Baruah, Addl. Chief Engineer, - Member

Water Resources Department, Assam

10. Shri N.C. Chatterjee, Chief Engineer & Chairman - Representing Govt. of

NBFCC, West Bengal West Bengal

11. Shri R. D. Bhutia, Addl. Chief Engineer, IFCD, Sikkim - Representing Govt. of

Sikkim

12. Shri Joy Barman, Secretary, Brahmaputra Board

13. Shri D. J. Borgohain, Chief Engineer (I&W), Brahmaputra Board

14. Shri P. C. Hazarika, Dy. Financial Adviser, Brahmaputra Board

15. Shri P. K. Goswami, Superintending Engineer, Lakhimpur

Water Resources Circle, Assam

16. Shri P. Manroi Scott, Superintending Engineer, NEIC, CWC, Shillong

17. Shri Bhupendra Singh, Senior Geologist, GSI, Shillong.

28

29

Annex-III

Current Status of Water Resources Projects (Hydropower and Multipurpose

Projects) presently under ‘Survey & Investigation’ and preparation of DPR in

Brahmaputra Board

(A) Kulsi Multipurpose Project

The project site is located in Assam about 1.5 Km downstream of Ukium - a

village situated near Assam and Meghalaya border. Brahmaputra Board

took up ‘Survey and Investigation’ of Kulsi Multipurpose Project -

Hydropower, Irrigation and flood moderation in the basin - in the year 1997.

The installed capacity of the project is estimated as 55 MW with a gross

command area of about 26000 ha.

The project has been identified as ‘National Project’ by Government of

India. The target for completion of the DPR of this project is March 2013. The

current status of the project is as under-

(a) Hydrological studies have been completed by Brahmaputra Board and

have been vetted by Central Water Commission (CWC).

(b) Power Potential Studies carried out by Brahmaputra Board were

submitted to Central Electricity Authority (CEA) for vetting. Comments of

CEA were received in October, 2011 and the compliance to

observations was made by Brahmaputra Board. In principle, CEA is in

agreement with Power Potential Studies carried out by Brahmaputra

Board. However, CEA may need to relook Power Potential Studies

carried out by Brahmaputra Board at time of finalization of DPR.

(c) Tenders have been invited for undertaking balance geological

investigation under the project.

(d) Tender documents are under finalization for undertaking balance

‘Topographical Survey’.

(e) Cropping Pattern, Crop Factors / Coefficients and ‘Irrigation Water

Requirement’ may be available from Agriculture Department of Assam

by June 2012.

(f) Proposal along with available maps, studies, reports and other relevant

documents has been submitted to Design Wing of CWC for undertaking

‘Design and Drawings’ for the project.

(g) Construction material survey has been completed.

(h) Action is on for undertaking remaining works such as EIA & EMP studies,

Seismic Study, Communication Survey, Power System Survey and others.

30

(B) Noa-Dehing Multipurpose Project

The Project site is located about 4 Km upstream of Miao Town in Changlang

District of Arunachal Pradesh. The ‘Survey and Investigation’ of this project

was started in December, 1996. The installed capacity of the project is

estimated at 71 MW. The project is envisaged to provide irrigation to 8000

ha and flood mitigation benefit as well. The project has been identified as

‘National Project’ by Government of India.

CWC team has visited the site along with officers from Geological Survey of

India (GSI) and Brahmaputra Board in April, 2011 and suggested certain

modifications in the layout and further geological investigations and other

studies. General layout has been modified accordingly and submitted to

CWC for concurrence / vetting. Geological investigations and other field

studies / investigations are being taken up as per ‘Inspection Note’ of the

Team that visited in April, 2011. The target for completion of the DPR of this

project is March, 2013.

The current status of the project is as under-

(a) Hydrological studies have been completed by Brahmaputra Board and

have been vetted by Central Water Commission (CWC).

(b) Power Potential Studies carried out by Brahmaputra Board were

submitted to Central Electricity Authority (CEA) for vetting September,

2011. Comments received from CEA in January 2012 are under

compliance.

(c) Topographical Surveys for Command Area are to be carried out.

Tender documents are under finalization for undertaking balance

‘Topographical Survey’.

(d) Work order has been placed for undertaking balance geological

investigation under the project.

(e) Agriculture Department, Government of Arunachal Pradesh has been

requested to provide Cropping Pattern, Crop Factors / Coefficients and

‘Irrigation Water Requirement’ for the Command of the project.

(f) Proposal along with available maps, studies, reports and other relevant

documents has been submitted to Design Wing of CWC for undertaking

‘Design and Drawings’ for the project.

(g) Construction material survey has been completed.

(h) Action is on for undertaking remaining works such as EIA & EMP studies,

Seismic Study, Communication Survey, Power System Survey and others.

31

(C) Simsang (Someswari) Dam Project

The project is located on the Simsang River with the dam site at Rongkhandi

near Nangwalbibra Township under East Garo Hills District of Meghalaya.

The ‘Survey and Investigation’ of this project was taken up by Brahmaputra

Board in the last part of the year 1997. The installed capacity of this project

is estimated at 65 MW (tentative). The target for completion of the DPR of

this project is 2015-16.


(a) Topographical survey is almost complete.

(b) Geological investigations are in progress.

(c) Construction material survey is in progress.

(d) Two alternate layouts for water conductor system have been proposed

by the Board and submitted to the CWC for finalization. CWC has

suggested for more field works including geological investigations by

drilling more drill holes, geo-mapping of the area for HRT, Surge Shaft

and Power House Location.

(D) Jiadhal Dam Project

Jiadhal Dam project in Arunachal Pradesh is located about 5 Km upstream

of Jiadhalmukh, situated at Assam-Arunachal Border. ‘Survey &

Investigation’ for this project was taken up by Brahmaputra Board in

November, 2002. The installed capacity of the project is estimated at 70

MW. CWC Design team has been requested for a field visit to finalize the

layout and other project parameters of the project. Details desired by CWC

as per discussions held with the CWC officials in October, 2011 have been

furnished. The DPR of this project is targeted for completion in the year 2016-

17.


(a) Topographical survey is in progress.

(b) Geological investigation is in progress.

(c) Construction materials survey is in progress.

(d) EIA & EMP studies are in progress.

(e) Two alternatives have been proposed by Brahmaputra Board to the

CWC for finalization of layout for the project. Further action from CWC is

awaited.

32

(E) Killing Dam Project

The project site is located near Assam-Meghalaya Border. Brahmaputra

Board started ‘Survey & Investigation’ of this project in November, 2003. The

installed capacity of the project is estimated at 85 MW. The target for

completion of the DPR of this project is year 2015-16.


(a) Proposal for finalization of general layout plan (tentative) for the project

is under examination in consultation with CWC. Observations received

from CWC are under process of compliance.

(b) Geological investigation is in progress.

(c) Construction material survey is in progress.

(d) EIA &EMP studies are in progress.

Documents

Minutes of the 55 meeting of the Brahmaputra Board held on ...brahmaputraboard.gov.in/NER/Archive/Meetings_of... · Minutes of the 55th meeting of the Brahmaputra Board held on June