The Transformative Potential of River Interlinking in India
Navigating the Waters of Sustainability, Agriculture, and Economic Growth Presents Opportunities for you
River Interlinking
Explore the comprehensive guide on river interlinking in India, covering the latest developments, purpose, costs, and benefits. Understanding how these projects, including the Ken-Betwa Link, aim to mitigate water scarcity, enhance irrigation, and promote sustainable energy is crucial for civil services exam aspirants and policymakers.
This is a very important topic for forthcoming civil services exams. Aspirants must know the latest developments, purpose, costs, and benefits. Possible questions are listed here.
River interlinking, a significant topic for forthcoming civil services exams, involves connecting different rivers through canals or other structures to transfer water from surplus basins to water-scarce regions. Understanding the latest developments, purpose, costs, and benefits of river interlinking is crucial for aspirants.
Purpose of River Interlinking:
To address water scarcity and ensure equitable distribution of water resources across the country.
To mitigate droughts and floods by regulating the flow of water.
To enhance irrigation potential and boost agricultural productivity.
To improve navigation and transportation facilities along the interlinked rivers.
To generate hydroelectric power and promote sustainable energy production.
Latest Developments:
The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) is responsible for planning and implementing river interlinking projects in India.
The Ken-Betwa Link Project, connecting the Ken and Betwa rivers, is the first river interlinking project approved by the government. It is currently under construction.
Another major river interlinking project being considered is the Godavari-Krishna Link Project, which would connect the Godavari and Krishna rivers.
Costs and Benefits of River Interlinking:
Costs:
The construction of canals, barrages, and other structures required for river interlinking can be expensive.
Environmental impact assessment and mitigation measures to minimise damage to ecosystems are necessary.
Potential displacement of local communities and loss of livelihoods need to be addressed.
The Ken-Betwa link project, for instance, cost Rs 250,000 million in 2012-13 at the time of planning.
Benefits:
Improved water availability for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes.
Reduced vulnerability to droughts and floods.
Increased agricultural productivity and economic growth.
Enhanced navigation and transportation facilities.
Generation of hydroelectric power and promotion of renewable energy sources.
For instance, the economic and financial evaluation for the Ken-Betwa project estimated a revenue of over Rs 420,000 million after the project's completion. Excluding Rs 280,000 million as costs for interest, depreciation, operation and maintenance charges (O&M) for command area and head works, power plants, etc., the project’s benefit-cost ratio is a healthy 1.56, and the internal rate of return is 14.86.
While a complex and challenging endeavour, river interlinking holds immense potential to address water scarcity, boost economic development, and improve the quality of life for millions of people. As aspirants prepare for civil services exams, a thorough understanding of river interlinking, including its latest developments, purpose, costs, and benefits, is essential.
Although massively interlinking rivers may not have come to fruition, linking rivers wherever economically and ecologically feasible is widely supported. Several such projects have already been completed in India. These endeavours have demonstrated the potential benefits of interlinking rivers, including improved water management, increased agricultural productivity, and enhanced ecological resilience.
Here are some of the critical interlinking river projects that have been completed in India:
1. Periyar-Vaigai Scheme: This project diverts water from the Periyar River in Kerala to the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu. It provides irrigation to over 200,000 hectares of land and generates hydroelectric power.
2. Kurnool-Cuddapah Canal links the Tungabhadra River with the Pennar River, providing irrigation to over 100,000 hectares of land in Andhra Pradesh.
3. Parambikulum-aliyar Project: This project diverts water from the Parambikulum River to the Aliyar River, providing irrigation to over 150,000 hectares of land in Tamil Nadu.
4. Bhakhara-Rajasthan Canal: This canal carries water from the Bhakhara Dam in Punjab to the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It provides irrigation to over 1 million hectares of land and has transformed the region into a central agricultural hub.
5. Beas-Sutlej Link: This link connects Punjab's Beas and Sutlej rivers, providing irrigation to over 500,000 hectares of land.
6. Telugu-Ganga Project (Krishna Water to Chennai): This project diverts water from the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. It provides over 10 million people with drinking water and supports industrial and agricultural activities.
7. Ken- Betwa link: This project, still under construction, will link the Ken River with the Betwa River, providing irrigation to over 2 million hectares of land in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
These interlinking river projects have played a vital role in addressing water scarcity, boosting agricultural production, and promoting economic development in the regions they serve. They have also contributed to environmental sustainability by restoring ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity.
For more info, read River Interlinking.
Tags:
River Interlinking, Civil Services Exam, Water Scarcity Solutions, Ken-Betwa Link Project, Sustainable Agriculture, Hydroelectric Power, Environmental Impact, Economic Development, Water Management, India Infrastructure Projects
Departments involved.
While seeking careers, a civil service aspirant will come across such offices as:-
National Water Development Agency (NWDA)
Central Water Commission (CWC),
Ministry of Water Resources
Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
Central Soil and Material Research Station (CSMRS),
National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) Roorkee for Hydrological Studies
Geological Survey of India (GSI),
National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA),
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
AFC Ltd. The comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) studies have been conducted.
Ministry of Environment and Forest.
NRSC Hyderabad and Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) Limited, Hyderabad,
IMD, Pune. It provided rainfall and meteorological data.
These offices frequently have job openings because they urgently need skilled workers. The recruiter will expect candidates to be familiar with such activities in the country. You can also make your presence known. You can still contribute and make money even when you are not selected or when you are not inside the system; you can still contribute to nation-building.
Imagine this: The Ken-Betwa project is valued at just ₹0.25 trillion, while the entire river-linking project is valued at over ₹1.5 trillion. The government is required to invest this amount, which will likely involve suppliers of equipment, technology, and manpower.
Possible questions for exams and interviews.
1. Essay Question: Discuss the significance of river interlinking in addressing India's water scarcity issues. Reflect on such projects' ecological, economic, and social impacts, using the Ken-Betwa Link Project as a case study.
2. Short Answer Question: Explain the purpose of river interlinking and list at least three benefits it aims to provide.
3. Multiple Choice Question:
Which of the following rivers are connected through the Ken-Betwa Link Project?
a) Ganga and Yamuna
b) Kaveri and Godavari
c) Ken and Betwa
d) Krishna and Godavari
Correct Answer: c) Ken and Betwa
4. Data Interpretation Question:
Given that the Ken-Betwa link project cost was Rs 250,000 million in 2012-13, and its expected revenue was over Rs 420,000 million upon completion, calculate the project's benefit-cost ratio.
5. Interview Question:
Given the potential displacement of local communities and environmental concerns, how should policymakers balance the benefits of river interlinking projects with their potential downsides?
6. Descriptive Question:
Describe the role of the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) in planning and implementing river interlinking projects in India.
7. Discussion Question for Group Interview:
Discuss the economic feasibility of river interlinking projects in India. Consider the Ken-Betwa Link Project's estimated costs and benefits in your discussion.
8. Case Study Analysis Question:
Analyse the completed Periyar-Vaigai Scheme as a model for future river interlinking projects. What lessons can be learned from its implementation?
9. Opinion-Based Essay Question:
"River interlinking in India is necessary for sustainable water management." Critically evaluate this statement with examples.
10. Policy Review Question:
Review the environmental impact assessments required for river interlinking projects. How can these assessments be improved to ensure minimal ecological damage while achieving the project goals?
These questions can be tailored to different exam formats, including written, oral, or practical assessments, to comprehensively evaluate an individual's understanding and critical thinking on river interlinking in India.