Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES be pleased to state:-

(a)        whether Government propose to evolve a long term policy for the inter-linking of rivers in the country so as to ensure that the annual floods don`t cause havoc; and

(b)        if so, by when that is likely to be done?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES
(SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV)

(a) & (b) The Ministry of Water Resources (erstwhile Ministry of Irrigation) and Central Water Commission formulated a National Perspective Plan (NPP) for Water Resources Development in 1980. The NPP comprises of two components viz. i) Peninsular Rivers Development and ii) Himalayan Rivers Development and envisages construction of storages on various river systems along with interlinking canal systems to transfer water from water surplus areas to water deficit regions. National Water Development Agency (NWDA) was set up on 1982 to study the feasibility of Inter - basin water transfer proposals and give a concrete shape to NPP. The Inter-linking proposals under NPP envisages additional benefits of 25 million ha. of irrigation from surface waters, 10 million ha. by increased use of ground waters and generation of 34 million KW of power apart from the incidental benefits of flood moderation, navigation, water supply, salinity & pollution control etc.

Based on various studies conducted, NWDA has identified 30 links for preparation of feasibility Reports (FRs). Out of these, FRs of 14 links under Peninsular Component & 2 Links (Indian portion) under Himalayan Component have already been completed. NWDA has taken up the work of Preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for one priority link viz. Ken-Betwa under Peninsular Component.

The implementation of inter basin water transfer proposals depends upon the consensus and cooperation of the concerned States and agreements with the neighboring countries.