Nalganga-Wainganga Rivers Linking Project
Context:
The Maharashtra cabinet recently cleared the Nalganga-Wainganga river linking project, dubbed among the biggest in the country.
| Wainganga & Nalganga Rivers:
A major tributary of the Godavari River, it originates in the Mahadeo Hills of Madhya Pradesh. The Wainganga flows through Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Telangana before joining the Godavari. It is a significant river for agriculture and hydropower.
A smaller river compared to Wainganga, it is a tributary of the Purna River, which itself is a tributary of the Tapi River. The Nalganga primarily flows through Maharashtra. |
More on news:
- The project entails lifting water from the Gosikhurd dam on the Wainganga River in Bhandara and channelling it into the Nalganga River in Buldhana through a 427-kilometre-long network of canals, pipelines, and lift irrigation.
- Once complete, the project promises to end Vidarbha’s water woes, particularly in the western districts of the region.
- With an estimated cost of Rs 87,000 crore, the river-linking project aims to irrigate over 3.75 lakh hectares of farmland.
|
Interlinking of Rivers Project A “Special Committee on Interlinking of Rivers” was constituted in September, 2014 for the implementation of ILR programme. ● Under this project, 30 links (16 under the Peninsular Component and 14 under the Himalayan Component) have been identified under the National Perspective Plan (NPP). ● Five-link projects have been identified as priority link projects viz; Ken Betwa Link Project, Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link project and Godavari-Cauvery link project (comprising 3 link segments). ● Ken Betwa Link Project is the first link of NPP under implementation that was approved in the year 2021 for implementation with central support of ₹39,317 crore and to be implemented jointly by Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and the Union Government. |
Challenges of interlinking of rivers:
Environmental Challenges:
- Ecological Imbalance: Altering natural river courses can disrupt ecosystems, affecting flora and fauna adapted to specific river habitats.
- Aquatic Ecosystem Disruption: Changes in water flow patterns can impact aquatic life, fisheries, and overall biodiversity.
- If the Ken-Betwa project becomes a reality, nearly 8,650 hectares of forest land, including part of Panna National Park in Madhya Pradesh, will be submerged.
- Soil Quality and Erosion: Altered water flows can influence sediment transport, potentially causing soil erosion and affecting agricultural lands.
- Water Quality: Concerns exist about the potential for water quality degradation due to mixing of different water bodies with varying pollution levels.
- Salinity Issues: In coastal areas, interlinking can lead to saltwater intrusion, affecting agriculture and drinking water sources.
Technical Challenges:
- Massive Infrastructure: Interlinking requires the construction of numerous dams, canals, and tunnels, which is a complex and expensive undertaking.
- Geographical Challenges: India’s diverse topography, with mountains, plains, and deserts, presents engineering challenges for effective interlinking.
- Seismic Zones: Many parts of India are prone to earthquakes, requiring careful consideration of the structural integrity of interlinking structures.
- Land Acquisition: Procuring vast tracts of land for the project can be a significant hurdle, involving legal and social complexities.
Social and Economic Challenges:
- Displacement and Rehabilitation: Interlinking may necessitate the displacement of people residing in project areas, requiring effective rehabilitation plans.
- Social Impacts: Changes in water availability can impact livelihoods, especially in regions dependent on traditional water management practices.
- Cost and Economic Viability: The massive financial investment required for interlinking raises questions about its cost-benefit ratio and economic feasibility.
- Regional Conflicts: Potential disputes over water sharing between states could arise, leading to political and legal complexities.
Governance and Implementation Challenges:
- Coordination and Governance: Effective coordination between multiple agencies and state governments is crucial for project implementation.
- Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring transparency in decision-making and accountability for project outcomes is essential to build public trust.
- Public Participation: Involving local communities and stakeholders in the planning and implementation process can help address concerns and ensure project sustainability.
