The Inter-Linking of Rivers programme (ILR) seeks to connect various surplus rivers across the country with deficient ones, allowing for excess water to be diverted to areas where it is needed. This is a response to the erratic and regionally imbalanced monsoon rains that India depends on.
However, several challenges accompany this program. These include disrupting natural river ecology, climate change impacts, high economic costs, and significant socio-economic impacts, such as the displacement of up to 5.5 million people, mostly farmers and tribal communities.
Recent Protests against Par-Tapi-Narmada River Link Project
Recently, tribal groups have intensified their protests against the Par-Tapi-Narmada river linking project following its mention in the 2022-23 budget speech by the Finance Minister. The projects were sanctioned in 2010 under a tripartite agreement among the Union government, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The implementation of these projects is to proceed after reaching consensus among states.
Description of the Par-Tapi-Narmada River Linking Project
The Par-Tapi-Narmada Link aims to transfer water from water-abundant regions of Western Ghats to the water-deficient regions of Saurashtra and Kutch in Gujarat. This scheme envisions constructing seven dams, three diversion weirs, two tunnels, a 395 km long canal, six powerhouses, and numerous cross-drainage works.
Benefits of the Par-Tapi-Narmada River Linking Project
The primary benefits of this project include providing irrigation opportunities and generating hydropower through installed powerhouses at four dam sites. In addition, the reservoirs are anticipated to provide flood relief to the people residing in downstream areas.
Exploring the Narmada River
The Narmada River is the largest westward flowing river in the peninsular region. It flows through a rift valley between the Vindhya Range on the north and the Satpura Range on the south, originating from the Maikala range near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh. This large river drains areas in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
Understanding the Tapi River
The Tapi River, another significant westward flowing river, originates from the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh in the Satpura ranges. Its basin covers regions in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
About the Par River
The Par River in Gujarat originates near Wadpada village in Nashik, Maharashtra, and flows into the Arabian Sea.
National Perspective Plan for River Inter-Linking
The National River Linking Project (NRLP), also known as the National Perspective Plan, seeks to transfer water from surplus basins prone to flooding to deficient basins suffering from drought or scarcity. The Ken-Betwa is the first project under this government initiative.
Importance of Water Resource Conservation
India needs to focus on conservation measures to address water scarcity. Efforts should include reducing wastage, promoting equitable distribution of resources, enhancing groundwater, and implementing simple local solutions like better irrigation practices and watershed management. The National Waterways Project (NWP) could be an alternative solution, as it uses only excess flood water that typically goes into the sea unexploited.
