Parameters and Assessment Criteria for Downstream Flow to Maintain Ecological Balance — Guidelines
Document Title [Hindi] :
पारिस्थितिक संतुलन बनाए रखने के लिए अनुप्रवाह प्रवाह के लिए मापदण्ड और आंकलन मानदंड — दिशानिर्देश
Document Type :
New
Language :
English
Priority :
3
ICS Code :
13.020.30
Date of Project Approval :
25-03-2008
Standards to be Superseded :
Classification Details
Group :
Civil Engineering Design and Construction
Sub Group :
Hydraulic and other related structures
Sub Sub Group :
Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management of River Valley Projects
Aspects :
Code of Practice
Risk :
Low
Certification :
None
Short Commom Man's Title :
Assessment of Environmental Flows
ITCHS Code :
Ministry :
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Sustainable development Goals :
Degree of Equivalence :
Indigenous
Identical/Equivalent Standards :
Organization Type:
Division Council Chairperson Approval Details
Sl.No.
Synosis Points
1
The provision of environmental flows is crucial for integrated water resources management. As river flows are increasingly modified by dams, weirs, and water abstraction for agriculture and urban supply, these interventions significantly impact ecological and hydrological services. Environmental Flow Assessment (EFA) methods are evolving to address these impacts, ensuring balanced river flow modifications that maintain essential water-dependent ecological services.
2
Environmental flows (EF) or environmental flow requirements (EFR) are the flows required to meet both ecological needs and human uses such as bathing, washing, and religious activities. The science of EFA helps determine the quantity and quality of water required to support ecosystem conservation and resource protection.
3
A question often arises regarding the terminology: what constitutes environmental flows versus minimum flows? While environmental flows (EF) primarily address ecological needs, minimum flows encompass environmental requirements along with other human uses such as bathing and washing. Nevertheless, both terms are commonly used interchangeably.
4
The quantum of flow in a river and its quality are inherently interconnected. River water quality, affected by discharges of treated or untreated wastewater, relies on the dilution offered by the river flow. Adequate flow is essential to maintain acceptable water quality standards, particularly in the context of in-stream uses such as religious rituals and bathing.
5
Rivers should be viewed as integral component of the total environment, supporting chain of life that must be conserved. Conservation is achievable only through the maintenance of adequate flow and acceptable water quality standards in rivers. This standard has been formulated to provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating and ensuring adequate downstream flows, promoting sustainable water management practices that protect ecological balance and support the well-being of both natural ecosystems and human population.