In News: Centre puts Par-Tapi-Narmada River link project on hold amid protests by tribals, says Gujarat BJP chief CR Paatil
Par-Tapi-Narmada river-linking project had been sanctioned in 2010, when a tripartite agreement was signed between the Union Government, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project was prepared by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) in 2015.
Union Finance Minister in her budget speech (2022-23) said that five river linking projects will be taken up after consensus among states.
The projects are Damanganga-Pinjal, Par-Tapi-Narmada, Godavari-Krishna, Krishna-Pennar and Pennar-Cauvery.
The Par Tapi Narmada link project was envisioned under the 1980 National Perspective Plan
Excess water in the interlinked Par, Tapi and Narmada rivers which flow into the sea in the monsoon would be diverted to deficit regions of Saurashtra and Kutch for irrigation
It proposes to link three rivers:
It included building seven reservoirs in north Maharashtra and south Gujarat. While six reservoirs will be located in the Valsad and Dang districts of Gujarat, one will be located in Nasik district of Maharashtra three diversion weirs, two tunnels, 395 km long canal, 6 power houses.
The Interlinking of Rivers programme (ILR) programme, envisages the transfer of water from water ‘surplus’ basins where there is flooding, to water ‘deficit’ basins where there is drought/scarcity, through inter-basin water transfer projects.
Environmental Costs: The project threatens to obstruct the natural ecology of rivers. Due to interlinking of rivers, there will be decrease in the amount of fresh water entering seas and this will cause a serious threat to the marine life.
It lead to destruction of forests, wetlands and local water bodies, which are major groundwater recharge mechanisms.
Economic Costs: Interlinking of rivers is a very expensive proposal. It is estimated that it can be a huge fiscal burden on the Government.
Socio-Economic Impact: It can causes massive displacement of people. A huge burden on the government to deal with the issue of rehabilitation of displaced people.
Not a member yet? Register now
Are you a member? Login now
WhatsApp Us