Interlinking of rivers refers to the ambitious concept of connecting rivers through a network of canals and reservoirs to transfer water from surplus regions to deficit regions. This concept aims to address issues such as water scarcity, drought mitigation, flood control, and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Types of Interlinking of Rivers:
1. Himalayan Rivers Interlinking:
- Description: Involves linking rivers originating from the Himalayas to transfer water from water-rich areas to water-deficit regions.
- Objective: Addressing water scarcity in northern and central India, particularly during dry seasons.
- Example: Damanganga-Pinjal Link Project: Proposed to transfer surplus water from the Damanganga River in Gujarat to the Pinjal River in Maharashtra.
2. Peninsular Rivers Interlinking:
- Description: Focuses on connecting rivers within peninsular India to optimize water resources and enhance irrigation and hydropower potential.
- Objective: Mitigating floods, reducing drought impacts, and improving water availability for agriculture and industry.
- Example: Godavari-Krishna-Pennar-Cauvery Link: Proposed to transfer surplus water from the Godavari River basin to the Cauvery River basin through the Pennar River basin.
3. Intra-State River Linking:
- Description: Links rivers within the same state to optimize water distribution and management for local water security.
- Objective: Enhancing water availability for irrigation, drinking water supply, and industrial needs within the state.
- Example: Rajasthan Canal: Also known as the Indira Gandhi Canal, interlinks rivers within Rajasthan to transfer water from the Sutlej River to desert regions of Rajasthan.
Components of Interlinking of Rivers:
- Canals and Channels: Construction of canals and channels to connect rivers and facilitate water transfer.
- Reservoirs and Dams: Building reservoirs and dams to store water and regulate its flow between linked rivers.
- Pumping Stations: Installation of pumping stations to lift water from lower to higher elevations along the interlinking routes.
- Environmental Impact Assessment: Conducting thorough assessments to understand and mitigate potential environmental and social impacts of interlinking projects.
Challenges and Controversies:
- Environmental Concerns: Potential impacts on river ecosystems, biodiversity, and aquatic habitats.
- Social Impacts: Displacement of communities, loss of livelihoods, and conflicts over water allocation.
- Technical Feasibility: Ensuring sustainable water transfer without adversely affecting natural river flows and downstream users.
Benefits of Interlinking of Rivers:
- Water Security: Enhancing water availability for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial needs in water-stressed regions.
- Flood Management: Reducing flood risks by diverting excess water from flood-prone areas to drought-prone regions.
- Drought Mitigation: Mitigating the impact of droughts by ensuring continuous water supply to agricultural lands and urban centers.
Conclusion:
Interlinking of rivers is a complex and contentious issue that requires careful planning, environmental assessment, and stakeholder consultation. While it offers potential benefits such as water security and disaster management, it also poses significant challenges in terms of ecological impacts, social equity, and technical feasibility. Balancing these aspects is crucial for implementing interlinking projects effectively and sustainably to meet the water needs of present and future generations in India.
