Question : BHARAT-BHUTAN RIVER COMMISION



(a) whether Bharat-Bhutan River Commission still exists;

(b) if so, the work and area of jurisdiction of this Commission;

(c) whether the Government is aware that mass mining is taking place in the rivers which are entering West Bengal from Bhutan side which is very dangerous at the time of flood and other natural calamity; and

(d) if so, the corrective measures the Government proposes to take in this regard and take up the matter with the Government of Bhutan?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV)

(a) to (d) There is no India-Bhutan Joint River Commission in existence. However with a view to discuss and assess the probable causes and effects of the recurring floods and erosion in the southern foothills of Bhutan and adjoining plains in India and recommend to both Governments appropriate and mutually acceptable remedial measures, a Joint Group of Experts (JGE) on Flood Management has been constituted between India and Bhutan in August, 2004. The first meeting of the JGE was held in Bhutan in November, 2004. The JGE has series of discussions and also made several field visits to some of the affected areas which include the sites prone to landslides and dolomite mining areas. Based on their discussions and site visits, the JGE felt that a more detailed technical examination is required and accordingly agreed to form a Joint Technical Team (JTT) which has been asked to submit its report to JGE by March, 2005.