E-flow

Though definitions vary, it is generally agreed that environmental flow (e-flow) is a system to evaluate the quantity, timing, and quality of water flows for sustaining the well-being of humans and ecosystems throughout the length of a river.

In October 2018, the central government notified the e-flows for the Ganga to be strictly maintained at different stretches. Assessments are being carried out on other significant rivers across India to determine the necessary e-flow. Strict implementation of the e-flow regulations is key to preserve our lifelines and ensure water security.

E-flow

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Moreover, dry rivers bring down groundwater levels while affecting the water cycle and microclimate in the region. Failing to maintain e-flows means more disruptions in the natural water cycle as well as the ground and surface water availability. Maintaining e-flow also helps the river to naturally clean moderate amount of pollutants that flow into it.

In India, the need for environmental flows has emerged from the hundreds of large dams being planned in the Himalayan rivers for hydro power generation. The cascades of dams planned across the Lohit, Dibang River in the Brahmaputra River , the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi River in the Ganga basin and the Teesta in Sikkim for example, would end up in the rivers flowing more through tunnels and pen stocks rather than the river channels. There have been some recommendations by various authorities (Courts, Tribunals, Expert Appraisal Committee of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (India)) on releasing e-flows from dams. However, these recommendations have never been backed by strong objectives about why certain e-flow releases are needed.[22]

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