Ignoring the threat to the Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, the irrigation department of Rajasthan has expressed its inability to release water from its dam for the sanctuary.In a presentation to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court, which had summoned the State Government for a hearing last week, the department said it is ‘‘practically not possible for it’’ to release water from the Panchana Dam for the sanctuary.The Panchana Dam on the Gambhiri River is the sole lifeline of the sanctuary, which, according to the state Forest Department and environmentalists, is dying due to the acute shortage of water.The department will now appear before the CEC on February 21 with ‘‘alternative plans’’ for supplying water to the sanctuary.Interestingly, the department’s stand is in stark contrast to the decision taken earlier by successive government’s. Since 1991, the government has emphasised the need to release water from the dam on a ‘‘top priority’’ basis.In August 2004, at a meeting chaired by the chief secretary, it was decided that 450-500 MCFT (million cubic ft) water would be released every year. Later, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje a few months back, the cabinet decided to release water from Panchana dam, 100 km from the sanctuary. The decision was revoked after farmers in the area laid siege to the dam threatening to commit suicide if water meant for irrigation was released for the sanctuary. A senior Cabinet minister who wanted to preserve the interest of the Meena community—his traditional vote base—allegedly instigated the farmers. ‘‘Farmers in 35 villages around the dam would suffer if water was diverted for the sanctuary,’’ a source in the Irrigation Department said.The department has proposed a Rs 100 crore project to supply water to the sanctuary from the Chambal river, through a pipeline. It is unlikely that this will be completed before another 18 months.The Forest Department and environmental activists are not prepared to wait that long. ‘‘Survival of the wetlands depends on availability of water from July till winter-end. It is requested that 450-500 MCFT water be released immediately from Panchana Dam,’’ the Forest Department stated in an urgent missive to the government.The Tourism and Wildlife Society of India (TWSI), which approached the CEC, said the park was on the verge of extinction and only a fresh infusion of water from the dam could save it. TWSI honorary secretary Harsh Vardhan said water from the Chambal project would not save the park. ‘‘Survival of birds depends on live feed that flowing water brings with it. Water from pipelines will not help the sanctuary.’’Quoting a Gallup Survey, he said the park generates Rs 540 crore for the economy during the tourist season. ‘‘Thousands of people would lose their employment if the park is ruined,’’ he warned.
