Punjab, Kerala oppose proposal for more power to RBOs

New Delhi, Oct 4 (PTI) A proposal to vest more powers
with the proposed River Basin Organisations (RBOs) has been
stiffly opposed by Punjab and Kerala while it received support
from states like Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Haryana.

The Water Resources Ministry has proposed to amend the
River Boards Act of 1956 to vest mandatory powers with RBOs.

The government proposes to set up RBOs for advising
interested state governments on matters relating to regulation
or development of an inter-state river or river valley and
change its role from being advisory to mandatory.

So far, no organisation or board has been set up under
the River Board Act.

The matter came for discussion during the 13th meeting of
the National Water Board here recently where representatives
from various states participated, sources said.

States like Punjab and Haryana opposed the proposal
claiming that once the proposed amendments are accepted, the
RBOs could be used to force decisions of the Central
government on the states.

The sources pointed out that with several states
entangled in water sharing disputes with their neighbours,
they are against any scope of a Central intervention.


The states opposing the move said since water is a state
subject, the RBOs should continue to have an advisory role.

Under the XI Plan, the Centre has moved to set up RBOs
for Mahanadi and Godavari basins with an advisory role for
optimum development of water resources in consultation with
the basin states. The Centre is yet to get a response from the
states.

On the other hand, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Delhi
supported the proposal, sources said.

Delhi often faces water shortage as neighbouring states
like Haryana and Punjab provide less water during peak
seasons. PTI NAB
JVN