Arunachal: Centre’s policy on tackling sediment for rivers soon

Itanagar: The draft National Policy on Sediment Management being revised by the Centre for rivers, including those from China such as Siang, is in the final shape.

This was conveyed by Union minister of state for water resources, river development, and Ganga rejuvenation Arjun Ram Meghwal in a reply to a letter that Lok Sabha member from Arunachal East Ninong Ering wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ering had met Modi on February 6 on issues related to water-sharing with China and demanded a national silt management policy for Indian rivers to keep floods at bay. He also submitted a detailed research report listing down all the feasible options prepared under his guidance with a team of experts.

Also Read: Centre blames Trans Arunachal Highway work for poor BSNL network

“Subsequently, the draft policy on sediment management was circulated to all states/UTs and the Central ministries/departments concerned for comments. In view of the comments received, the draft policy on sediment management has been revised and is under finalisation,” Meghwal said.

Regarding the water-sharing issue between India and China, Meghwal told Ering that India does not have any treaty with China on sharing of Brahmaputra waters. “However, a few MoUs have been signed regarding sharing of hydrological information on trans-border rivers,” he said.