Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The interlinking of rivers (ILR) is a proposed large-scale civil engineering project that aims to transfer water from water-surplus basins to water-deficit basins in India. Conceived as early as 19th century by Sir Arthur Cotton, the idea gained prominence with the National Perspective Plan (NPP) formulated in 1982 by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA). The project is envisioned as a solution to India’s chronic water woes, promising to address droughts, mitigate floods, and enhance inland navigation. However, the ILR project remains highly debated due to its potential ecological and socio-economic consequences.
Potential Benefits of Interlinking of Rivers
The ILR project offers several potential benefits:
- Drought Mitigation: Transferring water from surplus rivers like the Brahmaputra and Ganga to deficit regions like Rajasthan and South India can alleviate drought conditions and improve agricultural productivity.
- Flood Control: Diverting excess water during monsoon seasons can reduce the frequency and intensity of floods in regions like Bihar and Assam.
- Enhanced Navigation: Creating a network of navigable waterways can boost inland water transport, reducing transportation costs and promoting economic growth. The National Waterways Act, 2016, aims to develop 111 waterways.
- Hydroelectric Power Generation: The construction of dams and canals can facilitate hydroelectric power generation, contributing to India’s energy security.
- Increased Irrigation: Providing a reliable water supply for irrigation can enhance agricultural output and food security.
Critical Examination: Challenges and Concerns
Despite the potential benefits, the ILR project faces significant challenges:
- Environmental Impacts:
- Ecological Disruption: Altering river flows can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and fish populations.
- Deforestation: Construction of canals and reservoirs may require large-scale deforestation.
- Waterlogging & Salinity: Excessive irrigation can lead to waterlogging and soil salinity in receiving basins.
- Economic Viability:
- High Costs: The project is estimated to cost trillions of rupees, raising concerns about its economic feasibility. The NWDA estimates the cost to be around ₹5.6 lakh crore (as of 2023, knowledge cutoff).
- Water Pricing & Equity: Determining a fair water pricing mechanism and ensuring equitable distribution among states is a complex issue.
- Socio-Political Issues:
- Inter-State Disputes: Sharing of water resources is a sensitive issue, and the ILR project can exacerbate inter-state disputes. The Cauvery water dispute is a prime example.
- Rehabilitation & Displacement: Construction of dams and canals can displace communities, requiring extensive rehabilitation efforts.
- Geopolitical Concerns: Diversion of rivers originating in neighboring countries (like the Brahmaputra) can lead to geopolitical tensions.
Case of Ken-Betwa Link Project
The Ken-Betwa link project, the first to be approved for implementation, exemplifies the complexities. While aiming to provide water to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, it faces opposition due to its potential impact on the Panna Tiger Reserve. The project highlights the trade-offs between water security and environmental conservation.
| Project Component | Potential Benefit | Potential Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Canal Construction | Water transfer to deficit areas | Deforestation, habitat loss |
| Dam Construction | Hydroelectric power, water storage | Displacement of communities, ecological disruption |
| River Diversion | Flood control, irrigation | Alteration of river ecosystems |
Conclusion
The interlinking of rivers holds the potential to address India’s water challenges, but its implementation requires careful consideration of the environmental, economic, and socio-political implications. A holistic and integrated approach, prioritizing ecological sustainability, equitable water distribution, and robust inter-state cooperation, is crucial. A phased implementation, starting with smaller, less controversial projects like Ken-Betwa, coupled with rigorous environmental impact assessments and effective rehabilitation measures, is essential to ensure the project’s long-term success and minimize negative consequences.
Answer Length
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