E-FLOW FOR GANGA

Norms for minimum environmental flow (e-flow) for Ganga:

• The e-flows are the acceptable flow regimes that are required to maintain a river in the desired environmental state.
  
  
• The norms will apply to the upper Ganga River Basin - starting from originating glaciers and through respective confluences of its head tributaries which meet at Devaprayag up to Haridwar - and the main stem of the river Ganga up to Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh.
  
  
• The flow conditions will be monitored at hourly intervals from time to time.
  
  
• The Central Water Commission (CWC) will be the designated authority for supervision, monitoring, regulation of flows.
  
  
• The central government through National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) may direct release of additional water in the river Ganga to meet special demand as and when required.
  
  

Structures included & excluded:

• Any dam or structure meant for diversion of river flows for the purpose of irrigation, hydro-power and domestic or industrial use will now have to maintain the minimum flow.
  
  
• However, mini and micro projects, which do not alter the flow significantly are exempted.
  
  
• Projects, which currently do not meet the norms, will have to comply with it within three years.
  
  

Comment:

• In the words of Union water resources minister, "The notification will ensure the river Ganga's 'Aviralta' or continuous flow."
  
  
• Uninterrupted flow of water in any river is important to keep it clean through its natural ecological functions and processes.