Clarification on Media Reports on Drinking Water Supply Scheme to Tumkur, Bangalore (Rural), Kolar & Chikaballapur Districts Published on 24.1.2014

The proposal of Drinking Water Supply Scheme to Tumkur, Bangalore (Rural), Kolar & Chikaballapur Districts by diverting excess floodwater from west flowing rivers such as Yettinahole, Kadumanehole, Kerihole and Hongadallahole located in Sakleshpur of Hasan District in Western Ghats region by M/s. Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd, a PSU of Government of Karnataka seeking clarification on requirement of Environment Clearance (EC) under EIA Notification, 2006 received in October, 2012 in the Ministry of Environment & Forest. 

The proposal was discussed by the designated Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) in its 63rd meeting held during 26th – 27th December, 2012. 

• The proposal being a Drinking Water Supply Scheme, the EAC upon appraisal of the project observed that the proposal is neither for hydro power development nor comprises irrigation component and therefore, expressed its inability to consider the project for the purpose of TOR/EIA/EMP etc. 

This does not fall within the purview and mandate of the EAC, as drinking water schemes do not attract the provisions of EIA Notification, 2006 and its subsequent amendment, 2009. 

This was accordingly clarified to M/s Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd by the Ministry. 

• However, on a complaint in September, 2013 the Ministry had written to Government of Karnataka to ascertain whether the project comprised of any hydropower and irrigation component. 

The reply of Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited on these issues was forwarded by Government of Karnataka which indicates that there is no hydropower and irrigation components in the projects and it’s a purely drinking water supply scheme.