Neither for the farmers, nor for the environment, the draft water policy seems to help only vested interests.

There is urgent need for publicly known norms of transparency and accountability in operation of reservoirs that are like time bombs that can explode multiple times. Bhakra exploded in 1988, Ukai in Gujarat did in Aug 2006, Hirakud did in Sep 2008, Srisailam, Tungabhadra, Upper Krishna and Damodar dams did in Sep 2009. The wrong operation of Bhakra, Pong and Tehri reservoirs in 2010 lead to avoidable floods in the downstream areas.

This paper presents the Indian institutions which are engaged in building dams and other power projects abroad, and provides an overview of the projects which they are involved in. It summarizes the track record of Indian dam builders at home, and analyzes some of the problems which their new projects have created. The paper concludes with recommendations for future action.

The Central Water Commission (CWC) sent its response to the Kosi Bandh Katan Judicial Enquiry Commission, through Letter No 7/2/2/2009-FM.II/427 dated 04.12.2009, authored by C P Singh, Director FM-II, issued "with the approval of Chairman, CWC" as the letter says.

The Planning Commission of Government of India gave investment clearance to the Sardar Sarovar Project in October 1988 for a cost of Rs 6406 crore at 1986-87 prices. The project is still far from complete. The Project applied for over six fold increase in cost of the project earlier this year. This is a narration of what happened to that application in Planning Commission.

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