Why in news?
Recently, The Central government initiate the process to establish exclusive body named National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA), to implement projects for linking rivers.
What is it?
National Interlinking of Rivers Authority-
- NIRA is an independent autonomous body for planning, investigation, financing and the implementation of the river interlinking projects in the country.
- NIRA will replace the existing National Water Development Agency (NWDA) and will function as an umbrella body for all river linking projects.
- A Secretary-rank officer of Government of India will be appointed as head of the authority.
Functions of NIRA:
- NIRA have the power to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for individual link projects.
- It will coordinate with neighbouring countries, concerned states and departments for projects as directed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti or the Ministry of External Affairs.
- The body also have powers on issues related to the environment, wildlife and forest clearances under river linking projects and their legal aspects.
- The body have power to raise funds and act as a repository of borrowed funds or money received on deposit or loan given on interest.
Interlinking of Rivers Programme in India–
In 1858, A British general and irrigation engineer, Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton, suggested interlinking the Ganga and the Cauvery rivers for navigational purposes.
In the 1970s, Dr. K.L. Rao, a dams designer and former irrigation minister proposed “National Water Grid”. He was worried about the severe shortages of water in the South and repetitive flooding in the North every year. He proposed to divert surplus water of the Ganga and the Brahmaputra River to areas of deficit in central and south India.
In 1980, National Perspective Plan was prepared by the then Ministry of Irrigation (now Ministry of Jal Shakti), with the aim to develop water resources through the inter-basin transfer of water and transferring water from water surplus basins to water deficit basins.
Under the NPP, the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has identified 30 links (16 under Peninsular Component and 14 under Himalayan Component) for preparation of Feasibility Reports (FRs).
Need for Interlinking of Rivers Programme Projects-
- Population and food security: Population rise in India is key driver of need for river inter-linking. River inter-linking is considered to be a possible means of assured and better irrigation for more farmers, and thus better food security for a growing population.
- Navigation: Waterways is considered to be a cheaper transport. It provides cleaner and low carbon emission form of transport. Inland navigation will get boost by linking of rivers.
- Reduction of Regional Imbalance: India depends on monsoon rains that are erratic as well as regionally imbalanced. Interlinking of rivers will reduce the amount of surplus rain and river water which flows into the sea.
- Shortage of drinking water: some regions of India face acute shortages of drinking water despite ample rains during July–September.
- Loss in groundwater level: Today nearly 15 percent of India’s food is being produced by using rapidly depleting groundwater. India’s water situation is already in critical phase, India needs sustainable development and management of surface water and groundwater usage.
Concerns of river interlinking programme-
- Economic concern: River interlinking is an expensive affair, from building the connecting canals to the monitoring and maintenance infrastructure. It will be a huge fiscal burden on the Government.
- Environmental concerns:
- Destruction of forests, wetlands and local water bodies.
- Deforestation.
- Threat to Marine life.
- Sedimentation.
- Displacement of people: Every large developmental project brings human displacement issue in limelight. This leads to unpleasant situation of inhabitants, Government will have to bear rehabilitation costs also.
- Political tension: Water is State subject in India. River interlinking needs explicit deliberation and consent of many players. This is a key driver to delay project execution in India.
Way Forward–
There is an urgent need for proper scientific assessment of the project considering socioenvironmental, scientific and technical issues.
Adequate rehabilitation measures should be taken up for displaced people
Rivers interlinking may be done in a decentralized manner, and more sustainable ways should be promoted for rainwater harvesting that results to mitigate floods and droughts.