Challenges in the Tapti River Basin : A Case for Shift from Development Phase Planning to

Strategic Planning

Growing population and a transition from agrarian to industrial regime in most of the developing
part of the world coupled with climate change have become a major concern for all the
governments of the world. These are the challenges of present time which need immediate
attention of resource planners, policy makers and communities. Conflicting demands for water are
clear manifestation of these challenges. The biggest conflict lies between the water demand for
various human needs and the needs of the environment. However, not much attention was given
to the health of natural flow and ecosystem of water bodies throughout the world. It is very recent
that awareness towards sustainable development has increased due to visible adverse changes in
the climate and decision-makers have realised that for fulfilling the human needs and
developmental demands health of the water bodies cannot be compromised. And, there is now
wider consensus among them for shifting towards strategic planning from development phase
planning.

Particularly, South-Asian countries are under chronic water stress. The sources of freshwater are
contaminated which raises the concern about water quality and over 'exploitation' is an issue which
is necessary to be addressed for future availability (quantity) of the resource in its natural and
healthy form. The population increase and demographic shifts are going to make situation even
worse. Intense rains causing floods and little or no rains causing droughts are going to be frequent
events due to climate change.

The present paper, through literature review, open source data and interviews of the experts, is a
study and analysis of the situations that have existed naturally, the developments and damages
which have happened due to human interventions and what may arise in the Tapti River Basin of
India. It develops an understanding of the issue from a multidisciplinary lens and attempts to build
a case for shift from developmental to strategic planning and management in this basin.

Tapti River originates from Madhya Pradesh and flows westward, in parts of Maharashtra and
Gujarat and joins Arabian Sea. It is a perineal river of peninsular India which is 724 kms long and
has drains almost 65,000 square kms of area. Tapti water is used for irrigation, generation of
hydropower and Industrial and Domestic supply. There are many medium and small size irrigation
projects completed as well as proposed in the state of Maharashtra in this basin. There is already a
multipurpose dam, called as Ukai Dam, has been existing in the state of Gujarat since 1972 over
Tapti River, which is 80m high and is used for irrigation, hydropower generation and flood control.
Around 80 kms downstream to this dam, Surat City is situated. Surat is rapidly growing in terms of
population, economy and area. The water supply to the people and industries in Surat City
completely relies on Tapti water.

The study has a major emphasis on water demand of Surat City and scope of Ukai dam in crisis
situations, which are likely to occur in future. The 15km stretch of river in Surat City is polluted and
is rich in nutrients. There is growth of macrophytes causing damage to the aquatic habitat and
affecting drinking water supplies. The discharge of waster water and other solid waste from various
sources including domestic, industrial, cattle farming etc. are polluting this stretch of river. A
causeway-cum-wier was constructed in the year 1995, to avoid flow of saline water from the sea
into the river during the high tide. This has turned a lotic water body into lentic. The floods have
become more frequent for various reasons, which are discussed in the paper, but major reasons
are flow from Ukai dam and rise in height of river bed. Surat City is affected by floods in terms of
damage to human population and huge economic losses as well. Increase in number of peri-urban
areas and growth of population and their aspirations are significant of demand management.

Pollution control, flood control, water demand management and environmental flow are the most
important areas which are covered in detail in this study. But, there is also a reflection on
regulatory frameworks, institutional arrangements, inter-state water sharing and other relevant and
inter-related issues.