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
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Agenda Item in
brief
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
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No
Agenda Item in
brief
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
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Agenda Item in
brief
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
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Agenda Item in
brief
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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.
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Agenda Item in
brief
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
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Agenda Item in
brief
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
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Agenda Item in
brief
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
Chief Engineer, Water
10
Sl.
No
Agenda Item in
brief
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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.
Resources Department
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
Chief Engineer, Water
Resources Department
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.
Response is awaited.
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.
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Agenda Item in
brief
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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.
12 Item No. 54.1 (iii)
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
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Agenda Item in
brief
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
earlier Meetings
Decision of the
Brahmaputra Board
Development
Project under
NWDPRA”
15 Item No. 54.2 (iii)
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
Committee of Brahmaputra
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
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
Sl. No Agenda Item
in brief
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
Resources Department
urgently and decide the
issue by the 31st July 2012.
18
Sl. No Agenda Item
in brief
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
meeting of the Standing
Committee of Brahmaputra
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
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
earlier Meetings
Decision of the
Brahmaputra Board
Resources Department
(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
Response is awaited.
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
meeting of the Standing
Committee of Brahmaputra
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
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
Current Status / Follow up
Action on decisions taken in
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
Ministry of Water Resources
3. Shri Sunil Kohli, Joint Secretary & Financial Adviser, - Member
Ministry of Water Resources
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.
The current status of the project is as under-
(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.
The current status of the project is as under-
(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.
The current status of the project is as under-
(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.