Union Government inks MoU with MP and Rajasthan for River Linking Project

General Studies Paper -1

Context: Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti to implement the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-ERCP (Modified PKC-ERCP) Link Project.

• The project envisages integration of the long-pending PKC river link project with the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project, under the national perspective plan of interlinking of rivers (ILR) programme.
• PKC: The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC)link project is one of the 30 links included in the National Perspectives Plan.
• ECRP:The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) is aimed at intra-basin transfer of water within the Chambal basin, by utilising surplus monsoon water.
• Linking of Both Project:Rajasthan came up with the proposal of the ERCP in 2019, and to utilise water resources optimally, the Task Force for Interlinking of Rivers (TFILR) discussed its merger with the PKC link project.
• This integration was approved by the Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers in 2022.
• The Government of India formulated a National Perspective Plan (NPP) for interlinking of rivers (ILR) in 1980. 
• National Water Development Agency (NWDA)has been entrusted with the work of Interlinking of Rivers under the National Perspective Plan (NPP).
• The NPP has two components, viz; Himalayan Rivers Development Component and Peninsular Rivers Development Component. 
• 30 link projectshave been identified under the NPP.
• Under theHimalayan Rivers Development Component of the NPP, 3 link projects, viz; Kosi-Mechi Link project , Kosi-Ghaghra link project and Chunar-Sone Barrage link project
• It envisages transfer of water from Kosi, Ghaghra and Gandak rivers flowing down from Nepal to the other rivers in the State of Bihar.
• Peninsular Rivers Development Component is divided intofour major parts:
• Interlinking of Mahanadi-Godavari-Krishna-Cauvery Rivers: This part involves interlinking of the major river systems where surpluses from the Mahanadi and the Godavari are intended to be transferred to the needy areas in the south, through Krishna and Cauvery rivers.
• Interlinking of west flowing rivers, north of Bombay and south of Tapi:The scheme provides for taking water supply canal to the metropolitan areas of Mumbai; it also provides irrigation in the coastal areas in Maharashtra.
• Interlinking of Ken-Chambal: The scheme provides for a water grid for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh and an interlinking canal backed by as much storage as possible.
• Diversion of other west flowing rivers: The high rainfall on the western side of the Western Ghats runs down into numerous streams which discharge into the Arabian Sea.
• The construction of an interlinking canal system backed up by adequate storage could be planned to meet all requirements of Kerala as also for transfer of some waters towards east to meet the needs of drought affected areas.

Significance of River Linking Projects

• Reduction of Water Scarcity:Interlinking rivers can help transfer surplus water from water-rich regions to water-deficient areas, addressing water scarcity issues.
• Improved Water Availability for Agriculture:Increased water availability in dry regions can enhance agricultural productivity, supporting the cultivation of crops and promoting food security.
• Mitigation of Floods:Interlinking rivers can help distribute excess water during periods of heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of floods in specific regions.
• Increased Hydropower Potential:The construction of reservoirs and canals for interlinking projects can create opportunities for hydropower generation, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy mix.
• Improved Navigation:Connecting rivers can enhance the navigability of waterways, facilitating transportation of goods and reducing the dependence on road and rail networks.
• Drought Mitigation:By redistributing water resources, interlinking projects can help mitigate the impact of droughts by providing water to affected regions.
• Job Creation:The construction and maintenance of interlinking infrastructure can create job opportunities, contributing to economic development.
• Conflict Resolution:River interlinking projects can potentially reduce inter-state disputes over water resources by providing a more equitable distribution of water.

Concerns with the River Linking Projects

• Ecosystem Disruption:Altering natural river courses and diverting water can disrupt ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, changes in biodiversity, and potential extinction of species.
• Displacement of Communities:The construction of dams, reservoirs, and canals for river interlinking can result in the displacement of communities, leading to social and economic hardships for affected populations.
• Inter-State Disputes: River interlinking projects often involve multiple states, and disagreements can arise over water sharing, leading to inter-state disputes.
• Financial Viability: The construction of large-scale infrastructure for river interlinking projects can be economically challenging, with costs often exceeding initial estimates.
• The return on investment for such projects may take a long time, raising questions about their financial viability.
• Seismic Risks: Areas prone to earthquakes may face increased risks due to the construction of large dams and other infrastructure associated with river interlinking.
• Maintenance Issues:The proper operation and maintenance of the interconnected water infrastructure are crucial for the success of these projects. Neglecting maintenance can lead to system failures and adverse consequences.
• Community Resistance:Local communities and environmental activists may oppose river interlinking projects due to concerns about their impact on the environment, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.

Conclusion

• Addressing the concerns requires comprehensive planning, environmental impact assessments, community engagement, and transparent decision-making processes.
• Sustainable water management practices, incorporating modern technologies and adaptive strategies, are essential to mitigate the potential negative consequences of river interlinking projects.