In this scenario, do we know enough to plan 35 projects in the Alaknanda-Bhagirathi basin, as we are doing now? We are using data that is upto 30 years old to plan and construct reservoirs. Experts now point out that this old data cannot be extrapolated to come up with any reliable conclusions for the future. Some of the studies done for percentage change in decadal mean flow show a sharp fall in the flows at higher reaches in Uttarkashi compared to that of Allahabad in the next 20 years. The only way to go forward is to suggest common solutions through regional cooperation on data collection and exchange analysis.

A beginning has been made at the Abu Dhabi dialogue. In July 2007 senior politicians and governments from seven countries of the region came together. One of the things all the countries upon was coordinated research. The next meeting is in July where the mechanisms that are needed for sharing of data in the region would be discussed, including investments.

It is only after the issue of data is sorted out that conversation on the next level of collaboration can be initiated. Examples exist. For the Orange river flowing between South Africa, Namibia and Lesotho, projects have been designed on a regional basis and the river has been looked at as regional property rather than one divided by national boundaries.

sonu.jain@expressindia.com