(a) whether the Government is aware that the river beds of most of the rivers are becoming
shallow day by day and as a result of which they easily get flooded and cause loss of life
and property during rainy season and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government proposes to deepen the bed of various rivers in the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE AND WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) Agradation and degradation of river beds is a natural phenomena in alluvial rivers.
Siltation in rivers reduces their carrying capacity which is also one of the causes for
over topping of banks of the rivers. A Committee headed by Dr.B.K. Mittal former Chairman,
Central Water Commission (CWC) had studied the aspect of siltation pattern in few rivers in
India and concluded that siltation is not pronounced and alarming.
(b) and (c) Deepening of river beds in general by dredging is not an economically viable
solution due to associated problems of high cost of maintenance, disposal of excavated
earth and non-sustainability of the measures of the de-siltation. The schemes for de-
siltation are formulated by the State Governments based on the priority within the States
and Government of India provides support which is advisory in nature. However, based on
the model studies, only the Government of West Bengal has undertaken de-siltation measures
on rivers South Saraswati, Kaliaghai-Kapaleswari-Baghai, Ghatal area, river Ichhamati and
improvement of extension of Bani Kantha Khal.
(d) Does not arise in view of reply parts (b) and (c).