Contents preface (VII) introduction 1—37

1.9.4. Environmental Check-List for Irrigation and Water Resource Projects
The term environment includes the earth resources of land, water, air, vegetation, and man-made structures. The relationship between organisms (i.e., plant, animal and human) and their environment is termed ecology. All water resource projects, whether for irrigation or for hydro-electric power or for flood control or for water supply, are constructed for the well-being of human beings and have definite impact on the surrounding ecosystems and environment. It is, however, unfortunate that some of the environmentalists get unreasonably influenced by the subtle propaganda against the development of water resources in India by the people of the developed nations who would not like the people of India to be able to reach near the level of living style of the people of the developed countries. These people oppose development of water resources in India on environmental considerations without appreciating the needs of India and the fact that India has not utilised even 50 per cent of its utilisable potential. As a result, the per capita consumption of electric power and all other human needs is much lower than that in the developed countries. Region-wise, India is already a water-short country and faces acute water problems in almost the entire country. This will continue to be so till India controls the increase in its population and harnesses its entire monsoon and redistributes it spatially and temporally. The mooted proposal of interlinking of rivers in the country (Appendix–1) envisages inter-basin transfers of surplus water to meet the water needs of the water-short regions of the country. Such developmental works do cost a fortune in terms of money and environmental impacts. However, if the benefits (monetary as well as environmental) exceed the cost (both monetary and environmental), the work should be considered justifiable. The decision of water resources development should be based upon analysing the future scenario ‘with’ and ‘without’ the proposed development. Therefore, the developmental activities cannot be stopped on environmental considerations alone. It should, however, be appreciated that both developmental activities and an intact environment are equally important for sustained well-being of human beings.Therefore, the water resources projects must be developed such that they minimise environmental disturbances and maintain ecological balance while meeting the demands of man.

The complexity of environmental processes seldom permits accurate prediction of the full spectrum of changes in the environment brought about by any particular human activity. Many countries, including India, have now made it a statutory requirement for environmental impact assessment (EIA) of all new projects within specified category. Water resources projects are included in this category and are approved only after favourable report of EIA studies. The statutory EIA authorities usually concentrate on negative aspects of environmental changes. This results in conflict between the EIA authorities and project planners. Since EIA requires detailed information, it is usually undertaken at the final stage of the project planning when changes in the project to mitigate adverse effects on environment are difficult and costly.

The environmental check-list (Table 1.14) prepared by the Environmental Impacts Working Group of International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage provides a comprehensive guide to the areas of environmental concern which should be considered in the planning, design, operation, and management of irrigation, drainage, and flood control projects (12). This check-list provides a tool which will enable planners concerned with irrigation and drainage development to appreciate the environmental changes which such projects may bring

INTRODUCTION

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about so that adverse effects can be identified and, if possible, avoided or, at least, controlled and positive effects enhanced. Details of the parameters of ICID check-list (Table 1.14) are as explained in the following paragraphs (12) :