Question : RIVER REGULATION ZONE

(a) the names of the States which have been implementing River Regulation Zone;

(b) whether the River Regulation Zones have achieved the desired results in the protection of the river banks in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefor;

(d) whether some States have scrapped/not implemented River Regulation Zone in order to boost industrialization and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government has advised the States to continue with the River Regulation Zone or prepare plans for River Regulation Zone in view of the recent devastating floods; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST & CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) to (f) As per the reports available, some State Governments are regulating developmental activities along the river banks in the country. However, there is no legal instrument at national level in this regard.

Regulation of rivers through identifying River Regulation Zones, has the primary objective to conserve flood plains and to impose regulations on different activities on the river banks. Land and water, both being the State subjects, it is primarily for the respective States/Union Territories to take proactive steps for regulation of rivers within their jurisdiction.