The Central Water Commission (CWC), originally known as the Central Waterways, Irrigation, and Navigation Commission (CWINC), was established in 1945 by the Government, following the advice of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was a Member (Labour) in the Viceroy’s Executive Council at that time.
Under the guidance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the then Labour Department constituted the Commission, with the credit for its establishment attributed to him. Dr. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the need for such a technical body at the center and contributed to defining its objectives, organizational structure, and program. The final proposal for the formation of CWINC was prepared by the Department, with assistance from Rai Bahadur A.N. Khosla, the Consulting Engineer for Irrigation. Dr. Khosla was subsequently appointed as the founder Chairman of CWINC.
The CWC, currently operating as an office attached to the Ministry of Jal Shakti under the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, is headed by a Chairman with the status of Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India.
Organized into three wings – Designs and Research (D&R) Wing, River Management (RM) Wing, and Water Planning and Projects (WP&P) Wing – the Commission plays a crucial role in initiating and coordinating schemes introduced by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. These schemes aim to conserve and control water resource usage at both the national and state levels. The CWC is actively involved in diverse areas such as flood management, irrigation activities, drinking water supply, and hydroelectricity generation. Additionally, the Commission collaborates with state and central governments as needed during the implementation of these schemes.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Impact on Key Water Projects in India
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a significant role in shaping the development policies related to water resources and infrastructure projects in India, including the Damodar Valley Project, the Bhakra-Nangal Dam Project, the Sone River Valley Project, and the Hirakud Dam Project. His contributions were focused on ensuring that these projects not only addressed economic needs but also uplifted the lives of the marginalized and economically disadvantaged sections of society.
Damodar Valley Project
The Damodar Valley Project (DVP) is a multipurpose river valley project in India that was initiated to control floods, harness water resources for irrigation, generate hydroelectric power and promote regional development. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a prominent social reformer, jurist, and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution played a significant role in the early planning of the Damodar Valley Project.
Dr. Ambedkar was appointed as the principal architect of the DVP in 1943 when he was a member of Labour in the Viceroy's Executive Council. He was responsible for formulating the original plan of the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and played a key role in conceptualizing the project's objectives and features. His vision included using the Damodar River for irrigation and power generation to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the people in the region.
The Damodar Valley Project was eventually taken over by the newly independent Indian government after gaining independence in 1947. The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was established in 1948 to execute and manage the project. The DVC has since been a crucial entity in the development of the Damodar Valley region, contributing to flood control, power generation, and overall regional development.
Bhakra-Nangal Dam Project
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a significant role in the planning and development of the Bhakra-Nangal Dam Project as well. The Bhakra-Nangal Dam is one of the major river valley projects in India, located on the Sutlej River in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. It was constructed to address various needs such as irrigation, power generation, and flood control.
Dr. Ambedkar was appointed as the first Chairman of the Central Waterways, Irrigation, and Navigation Commission in 1945, and he held the position until 1946. During his tenure, he was involved in the early planning stages of the Bhakra-Nangal Dam. His expertise in water resource management and commitment to infrastructure development played a crucial role in shaping the initial vision of the project.
The Bhakra-Nangal Dam Project was later taken over by the government, and its construction began in 1948 after India gained independence. The dam was completed in 1963, and it has since been instrumental in providing irrigation water to the surrounding regions, generating hydroelectric power, and helping in flood control.
Dr. Ambedkar's contributions to water resource management and infrastructure development, including his role in the planning of the Bhakra-Nangal Dam, showcase his multifaceted contributions to the nation, not only in the social and political realms but also in the field of economic development and resource planning.
Hirakud Dam Project
The Hirakud Dam, one of the earliest major multipurpose river valley projects in India, is located on the Mahanadi River in the state of Odisha. It was primarily designed to control floods, provide irrigation, and generate hydroelectric power.
The planning and execution of the Hirakud Dam Project were carried out by the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the government agencies involved in water resource development. The dam was built during the post-independence period, with construction starting in 1948 and completion in 1957.
Dr. Ambedkar was involved in various roles related to water resource management and infrastructure development, such as being the Chairman of the Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission.
Sone River Valley Project
Sone River Valley Project may not be explicitly documented, but his overarching principles of inclusive development, social welfare, and the need for projects to benefit the impoverished masses likely influenced the planning and execution of this project.
In summary, Dr. Ambedkar's contributions to these major water and power projects were marked by his commitment to social justice and inclusive development. His ideas influenced the policies surrounding these projects, ensuring that they were designed not only for economic growth but also for the overall well-being and upliftment of the impoverished and marginalized communities in India.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Pioneering Role in Advancing Irrigation Development
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in shaping India's water and power policies from 1942 to 1946, advocating for the optimal utilization of the country's water resources. He drew inspiration from the Tennessee Valley scheme in the USA and emphasized the need for multipurpose projects to control rivers, prevent floods, provide perennial irrigation, generate power, and uplift the living standards of the impoverished.
Ambedkar recognized the limitations of a capitalistic economic system within a parliamentary democracy in ensuring economic security for the masses. He highlighted the importance of prioritizing the "laborer" and the "depressed classes" in planned economic development. He believed that development programs should be translated into tangible benefits for the common man, focusing on aspects like peace, housing, education, healthcare, and the right to work with dignity.
In his vision, the State had a responsibility not only to ensure fair working conditions for labor but also fair living conditions. Ambedkar advocated for a government based on control rather than laissez-faire, aiming to provide facilities for individual growth based on needs.
Ambedkar's influence on post-war economic development objectives included raising the standard of living and ensuring employment for all. Measures to increase the purchasing power of the people involved improving labor efficiency, developing agriculture and industries, and providing amenities like education and healthcare. The Labor Department, under Ambedkar's guidance, undertook schemes to enhance labor conditions.
Recognizing the challenges faced by the Scheduled Castes and depressed classes, Ambedkar insisted on treating them as a separate entity in planning. The government's objective included steps to ameliorate their conditions, providing special concessions such as educational facilities, scholarships, hostels, improved water supply, and social security measures.
Ambedkar's views extended to the irrigation and electric power policy, urging policymakers to incorporate measures benefiting the poor. While he supported industrial development, he emphasized that it should be maintained at a socially desirable level, ensuring the distribution of national income to benefit the common man.
In his address on electric power, Ambedkar highlighted the significance of industrialization as a means to lift people out of poverty, emphasizing the need for cheap and abundant electricity. Similarly, in planning irrigation development, he stressed the importance of ensuring benefits reach the grassroots level.
Ambedkar's comprehensive approach aimed at inclusive and equitable development, addressing the needs of the marginalized and ensuring prosperity for the poverty-stricken millions of the country.
Honoring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Pivotal Role in India's Water Policy and Development
The glowing tribute paid to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar during the Maritime Investment Summit 2016 in Mumbai, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged him as the architect of India's water and river navigation policy, shed light on Ambedkar's often overlooked contributions to the nation's development. Modi emphasized the establishment of significant institutions by Ambedkar, such as The Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission, and The Central Technical Power Board, showcasing his visionary role in shaping India's water resources.
Despite the extensive official records and a 307-page Commemorative Volume titled 'Ambedkar's Contribution to Water Resources Development' reissued in 2016 by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, a powerful lobby has attempted to downplay Ambedkar's crucial role in India's water policy. Union Minister Uma Bharati highlighted Ambedkar's holistic approach to water resources development, which included flood control, irrigation, navigation, domestic water supply, hydropower, and more.
Ambedkar's involvement in projects like Damodar River Valley, and Hirakud Multipurpose Project, and his role in framing legislations like the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956, and the River Boards Act, 1956, were underscored as essential contributions to India's water management. Minister of States for Water Resources, Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Ambedkar's pioneering efforts in drafting a new water policy and laying the foundation for multipurpose projects.
The narrative also delved into a historic confrontation between Ambedkar and
Viceroy Lord Wavell, where Ambedkar's forceful logic and eloquence led to the
selection of an American expert with Tennessee Valley Authority experience for
the Damodar Valley Corporation.
Conservation of Water Resources
During the crucial period of 1943-46 when this policy was formulated, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar actively engaged in discussions, articulating his perspectives through presidential addresses and lectures. His insights were shared in five conferences between November 15, 1943, and November 8, 1945, addressing issues such as the Damodar Valley Project, Mahanadi Valley Project, and Electric Power.
In one conference focusing on Orissa rivers' development, Ambedkar expressed his views on water resource conservation and utilization. Reflecting on the recommendations of various committees dating back to 1872, he criticized their approaches, asserting that they failed to grasp the essence of the problem. Contrary to the prevailing notion that excess water was inherently detrimental, Ambedkar argued that the real issue lay in the irregular distribution of water. He contended that human suffering resulted more from water scarcity than abundance. Recognizing water as a valuable resource, albeit unevenly distributed, he emphasized the need to shift from a complaint-based approach to one focused on water conservation.
Ambedkar challenged the traditional perspective on floods or excess water, urging a positive outlook on addressing water-related challenges. His stance underscored the importance of recognizing water as a wealth for the people, advocating for strategic conservation measures rather than merely lamenting nature's unpredictable patterns. Through his unique perspective, Ambedkar contributed to shaping a more nuanced understanding of the water problem, emphasizing the positive aspects and the potential for constructive solutions.
Integrated Reservoirs: Catalysts for Regional Development
In the earlier approach, the prevalent concern was excess water, primarily viewed as a flooding issue, leading to a single-purpose solution—flood control. However, Dr. Ambedkar challenged this approach, arguing that embankments were an inadequate means of achieving the ultimate goal of water conservation. Instead, he advocated for a multipurpose strategy, inspired by developed countries, emphasizing dam construction at various points to create permanent reservoirs. Such reservoirs, he believed, could serve not only irrigation but also generate electricity and facilitate navigation.
Ambedkar, in various conferences, expressed dissatisfaction with India's historical neglect of internal navigation, tracing back to the era of the East India Company. He urged a revival of canal navigation, emphasizing its importance alongside railways. He envisioned storage schemes that would not only address floods but also provide irrigation, electricity, and navigation. This perspective guided his stance on projects like Damodar Valley, Sone Valley, and Mahanadi.
For the Damodar Valley Project, Ambedkar insisted on a multipurpose approach, encompassing flood control, irrigation, electricity, and navigation. He envisioned a series of such projects. The Sone Valley Project was also seen as a multipurpose endeavor, incorporating irrigation, hydel power, industrial development, and flood control. Similarly, Ambedkar stressed the need for reservoirs to conserve water for the Mahanadi River and highlighted the potential for internal navigation.
Ambedkar consistently emphasized a regional approach, urging comprehensive surveys to assess irrigation, navigation, and power development possibilities. He believed that the success of these projects depended on treating them as regional initiatives rather than local endeavors.
To implement this multipurpose vision, Ambedkar played a crucial role in establishing technical expert bodies like the Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission, and the Central Technical Power Board. These entities aimed to provide advice for the optimal utilization of water resources on a regional basis.
Ambedkar's efforts culminated in the formulation of a new water policy, emphasizing the multipurpose use of water resources for the regional development of river valleys. The concept of the River Valley Authority and the creation of technical bodies were key components of this policy.
Despite jurisdictional challenges posed by the Act of 1935, which granted authority over-irrigation and electric power to Provincial Governments, Ambedkar succeeded in persuading provinces to adopt an all-India perspective. This paved the way for Article 262 and the subsequent enactment of the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956, and the River Boards Act, 1956, facilitating the adjudication and regulation of inter-state water disputes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's visionary approach to water resource management represented a departure from the prevailing single-purpose strategies of the time. Recognizing the inadequacy of flood control measures, he championed a multipurpose approach, drawing inspiration from developed nations. Ambedkar's advocacy extended beyond mere flood control, encompassing irrigation, electricity generation, and the often-neglected area of internal navigation.
His stance on key projects such as Damodar Valley, Sone Valley, and Mahanadi reflected a commitment to addressing diverse needs through integrated, regional solutions. Emphasizing the importance of comprehensive surveys and a regional approach, he sought to unlock the full potential of water resources.
Ambedkar's instrumental role in establishing technical expert bodies, like the Central Waterways, Irrigation, and Navigation Commission, and the Central Technical Power Board, highlighted his commitment to providing the necessary expertise for multipurpose water resource development on a regional basis.
The culmination of his efforts was the formulation of a new water policy, emphasizing the multipurpose use of water resources for the holistic development of river valleys. The introduction of the River Valley Authority concept and the creation of technical bodies marked a significant shift toward a more coordinated and comprehensive approach.
Despite challenges posed by jurisdictional limitations, Ambedkar's persuasive skills and dedication led to the adoption of Article 262, paving the way for legislative acts addressing inter-state water disputes and the regulation of river valleys. This marked a crucial step towards realizing Ambedkar's vision of an all-encompassing, regionally-focused water policy for the benefit of the entire nation.
In essence, Ambedkar's contributions laid the foundation for a more nuanced and integrated perspective on water resource management, emphasizing the multifaceted potential of water use for the overall development of the country.
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