Centre keeps Kalasa-Banduri project out of EIA Notification 2006

PANJIM: The Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has kept Karnataka's Kalasa-Banduri project out of EIA Notification 2006 stating that the "instant project is purely a drinking water supply scheme". Thus the project does not attract the requirement of Environmental Clearance (EC), though the project proponent is directed to seek Forest and Wildlife clearances for construction of three diversion dams. 

MoEF&CC director Dr S Kerketta in a communication to the Chief Engineer of Kalasa-Banduri Drinking Water Project, has said, "The proposal was deliberated in the Ministry and noted that instant project does not proposes any hydroelectric power generation component nor any irrigation component and thus has no command". 

"It is noted that the instant project is purely a drinking water supply scheme and does not attract the provisions of EIA notification 2006 and its subsequent amendments," he said. 

"However, the environmental safeguard measures and management plan may be formulated and implemented appropriately and in a timely manner," Kerketta said. 

Kerketta said the Kalasa-Banduri drinking water supply scheme involves diversion of west flowing streams in Mhadei basin to water deficit Malaprabha basin by construction of three diversion dams across Haltara Nala, Kalasa Nala and Banduri Nala. The project is exclusively proposed for providing drinking water facilities to Hubli-Dharwad towns, Kundgol town and en route villages as a part of commitment to National Water Policy 2012. 

The total cost of the project works out to be Rs 840.52 crore. 

MOEF&CC has said since the streams proposed for diversion within Karnataka in Mhadei basin shares interstate boundaries with Goa and Maharashtra, the project was adjudicated before Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT). The ministry said the tribunal in its award dated August 14, 2018 directed Karnataka to implement the project after obtaining mandatory clearances as required under law. 

The ministry has said the project involves about 250ha of forestland and hence the Forest Clearance shall be obtained under Forest (Conservation) Act 1980. 

The part of the project area also falls within the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and therefore Wildlife Clearance should be obtained from Standing Committee of National Board of Wildlife. 

The project proponent is also directed to obtain Consent to Establish and Operate under Air and Water Act from the concerned State Pollution Control Board. 

The ministry has issued several other directions like control of air pollution measures, sewerage treatment plant, monitoring of water quality, installation of water depth sensors, compensation and rehabilitation of the affected parties, solid waste management, etc.