Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) project, conceived in the late 19th century and formally proposed by K.L. Rao in 1972, aims to transfer water from water-surplus basins to water-deficit basins in India. The project envisions a nationwide network of reservoirs and canals to achieve water security, enhance irrigation, and facilitate all-weather inland navigation. While the promise of assured irrigation and improved navigability is attractive, the feasibility of ILR remains a contentious issue, fraught with complex physical, economic, and ecological implications. Recent droughts and water crises have reignited the debate surrounding the project’s potential benefits and associated risks.
Physical Implications
The physical feasibility of ILR is significantly challenged by India’s diverse topography and geological formations.
- Topography: The varied terrain, including the Himalayas, the Indo-Gangetic Plain, and the Deccan Plateau, necessitates extensive engineering works like canals, tunnels, and reservoirs. The elevation differences between basins pose substantial hydraulic challenges.
- Geology: The geological composition of the river basins varies considerably. Some areas are prone to seismic activity, increasing the risk of dam failures. The presence of hard rock formations can make canal construction difficult and expensive.
- Water Availability: The assumption of surplus water in donor basins is often debated. Climate change and fluctuating rainfall patterns can impact water availability, rendering some basins less reliable as sources.
Economic Implications
The economic implications of ILR are a mix of potential benefits and substantial costs.
- Irrigation: ILR promises to increase irrigated area, boosting agricultural productivity and food security. However, the cost of irrigation infrastructure and water distribution can be prohibitive.
- Inland Navigation: The creation of a navigable waterway network could revolutionize inland transportation, reducing freight costs and promoting economic growth. However, maintaining sufficient water levels for navigation throughout the year is a challenge.
- Power Generation: Reservoirs created under ILR can be utilized for hydropower generation, contributing to India’s energy security.
- Cost Analysis: The estimated cost of ILR has varied significantly over time. The 2002 report by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) estimated the cost at ₹5.6 lakh crore (at 2002 prices), which would be substantially higher today. The economic viability depends on accurate cost-benefit analysis and efficient project management.
Ecological Implications
The ecological consequences of ILR are perhaps the most significant concerns.
- Impact on River Ecosystems: Diverting water from rivers can alter their flow regimes, impacting aquatic ecosystems, fish migration, and the health of downstream wetlands.
- Biodiversity Loss: The construction of dams and reservoirs can lead to habitat loss and fragmentation, threatening biodiversity.
- Groundwater Recharge: Altered river flows can affect groundwater recharge rates, potentially leading to groundwater depletion in some areas.
- Sedimentation: Dams trap sediments, reducing nutrient supply to downstream areas and impacting agricultural productivity and delta ecosystems.
- Impact on Estuaries and Coastal Ecosystems: Reduced freshwater inflow can increase salinity in estuaries and coastal areas, harming mangrove forests and fisheries.
A Comparative Look at Major ILR Projects
| Project | Donor River | Recipient River | Key Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ken-Betwa Link | Ken | Betwa | Panna Tiger Reserve impact, displacement of local communities |
| Parbati-Kalisindh Link | Parbati | Kalisindh | Forest land submergence, impact on wildlife |
| Mahanadi-Godavari Link | Mahanadi | Godavari | Inter-state disputes, impact on delta ecosystems |
The Ken-Betwa link project, approved in 2021, is the first major ILR project to be taken up. It aims to transfer 215 million cubic meters of water annually from the Ken to the Betwa basin. However, it has faced criticism from environmentalists due to its potential impact on the Panna Tiger Reserve.
Conclusion
Interlinking of rivers holds the potential to address India’s water challenges, but its feasibility is contingent upon careful planning, rigorous environmental impact assessments, and effective inter-state coordination. A piecemeal approach, focusing on smaller, less ecologically disruptive projects, may be more pragmatic than a large-scale nationwide network. Prioritizing water conservation, efficient irrigation techniques, and groundwater recharge is crucial alongside exploring ILR. A holistic and sustainable water management strategy, rather than solely relying on interlinking, is essential for ensuring long-term water security in India.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.