IWMI Report 107: An Assessment of Environmental Flow Requirements of Indian River Basins by V. Smakhtin and M. Anputhas, International Water Management Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2006.

Shortcomings Requirements of terrestrial ecosystems (Page 7). Agreed objective of certain state of river (Page 16). Trend of Change (Page 17-18). The Desktop Reserve Model (DRM) is more advanced. DRM model 39.7% MAR Shifting FDC 28.9% importance MAR Socio-economic

Bias in scoring for EMC Sl Parameter IWMI score IWMI rationale (Page 23pp) WII score WII rationale Proposed score by this author Rational for proposed score 1 Rare and endangered biota 4 4 endangered fish species. 15+ total endangered species 3 There are at least 16 threatened fish species in the reach. Presence of otter reported but no authentic sighting. 5 16 fish species are threatened in Bhagirathi Alaknanda Basin against 4 in Rishikesh Narora Stretch. 2 Unique aquatic biota Ganges dolphin is unique. 60 Fish species are endemic. At least two endemic species who have adapted to local conditions. WII reports existence of 55 RET plant species; 76 fish species, 364 bird species, 35 mammal species (Appendix 5.2, 5.4-5.6). I am unable to find breakup of unique and RET species within these but the total appears to be much more than Rishikesh Narora Stretch. Diversity of aquatic habitat Presence of upstream reservoirs, muddy, sandy banks and fast flowing reaches as well as formation of islands during low flows offer relatively diverse habitats for wildlife. Presence of sandy banks, slow and fast flowing reaches, rafts, lagoons, confluences of different rivers, streams, diversity of substratum, formation of islands during summer and winter offers relatively diverse habitats for fish and other wildlife. IWMI gives a score of 3 to Rishikesh Narora Stretch on basis of upstream diversity. The Bhagirathi Alaknanda Basin has this upstream diversity therefore rank should be much higher.

IWMI rationale (Page 23pp) WII score WII rationale Sl Parameter IWMI score IWMI rationale (Page 23pp) WII score WII rationale Proposed score by this author Rational for proposed score 4 Protected and pristine areas 5 The Brijghat–Naraura stretch is a Ramsar site and the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary is located close to Madhya Ganga barrage. 2 Although small portions of reaches are inside the Protected Areas, majority of reaches are outside and are relatively disturbed due to Hydro Electric Projects such as Tehri Dam, Vishnuprayag project etc., Nayar and Balganga rivers are identified as important fish habitats, where several threatened species congregate to breed. WII only takes note of protected areas and ignores that Bhagirathi Alaknanda Basins have many pristine areas. Human population density as % of main flood plains There is little difference between population density in ‘floodplain’ subdistricts compared to those further away from the river (532 persons/km2 versus 577). Compared to other parts of Ganges, this stretch has moderate population. IWMI had given score of 5 for similarity of population in floodplain subdistricts and those further away. This is comparison within the area. WII has changed the parameter to compare population in the area with other parts of Ganga. Areas having less population should be given high score as is the case here. Other 10 parameters 21 32 Total 42/65 46/65 56/65 EMC C A/B

EMC ‘C’; 28.9 % MSR at Farakka as per IWMI Reduce to 14.5 to 21.8% Reduction of biodiversity score EMC ‘C’; 28.9 % MSR at Farakka as per IWMI Reduce to 14.5 to 21.8% Biodiversity Rishikesh-Farakka > Bhagirathi-Alaknanda Basin. 1000 km > 300 km EMC from ‘C’ to ‘D’ and ‘E’

Habitats required for recovery Upgrading the River Other factors ignored Habitats required for recovery Upgrading the River Socioeconomic and cultural importance Riparian and terrestrial life Otter and Cheer Pheasant

River Bed Connectivity WII: River continuity is essential for the overall functioning of the system. There is ample available evidence indicating the overall importance of connectivity and continuity… Partial obstruction

Cost-Benefit Analysis Ramsar convention Incorporate long-term social benefit and cost considerations into the process from the very initial stages of project preparation WII Hydropower… share in the mix of power… is far below the desirable level (WII 2012:I-5, italics provided).

Benign Dams Smaller HEPs: less impact Smaller HEPs: less benefits

River length affected (m) Forest area submerged (ha) Factual error regarding Srinagar HEP Score sheet for Srinagar and Kotlibhel 1B projects (Appendix 6.2 of WII report) Sub-basin/Projects River Type Capacity (MW) Status Length Affected (score) Forest Area Loss Total Impact Potential Score Value (%) Category Srinagar Alaknanda Storage 330 Under-Construction 1 2 20 L Kotlibhel IB 320 Proposed 3 30 M Table 3.2 List of 70 Hydro Electric Projects on Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins. S.No. Project Name River Capacity (MW) River length affected (m) Forest land take (ha) Forest area submerged (ha) 60. Srinagar Alaknanda 330 4500 339 68.73 38. Kotlibhel 1B 320 27500 146.05 453.7