Safeguarding the Chambal: A Lifeline for River Ecosystems and Wildlife

The National Board for Wildlife has halted projects on the Chambal river, except for essential drinking water projects, to address declining environmental flows affecting river ecosystems and species like Ganges dolphins. A comprehensive impact assessment is recommended to ensure sufficient water flow and ecosystem protection.

The National Board for Wildlife has imposed a hold on all projects along the Chambal river, citing concerns over diminishing environmental flows, a crucial component for sustaining the river's ecosystems, including the imperiled Ganges river dolphins.

The halt affects projects such as hydroelectric ventures, with exceptions made only for indispensable drinking water initiatives, provided no alternatives exist. A Wildlife Institute of India report detailed a worrying decline in water levels during summer months, with flows nearing zero by June.

Central Water Commission officials and stakeholders propose a basin-wide impact assessment and suggest involvement of organizations like the National Institute of Hydrology to explore solutions and maintain necessary water connectivity and levels for aquatic fauna.