Interlinking of Rivers and its Challenges

Interacting with ETV Bharat, General Secretary of International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) Ashwin B Pandya opined that interlinking of rivers was the 'need of the hour'. On the other hand, Environmentalist Pankaj Kumar warns that there would be adverse effects, if we will try to change nature's order.

New Delhi: The issue of 'interlinking of rivers' has always been viewed with a pinch of salt, with proponents arguing on its respective merits and demerits.

While some opine that the project (interlinking of rivers), can solve problems a wide range of issues, including flood and drought; others believe that the entire exercise would backfire as it would be against the natural order.

Interacting with ETV Bharat, General Secretary of International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) Ashwin B Pandya opined that interlinking of rivers was the 'need of the hour'. He further asserted that, under this project, a network of canals can be created by interconnecting the rivers and can be used to divert the water from surplus to deficit ones. "The issue has gained prominence in recent times due to several factors, with the major one being climate change. The instances of unabated rainfall and drought-like conditions have been prevalent across the country," he added. Citing an example of America and China, Pandya said that the interlinking of rivers was carried out successfully and the people have been reaping benefits from it. "By connecting rivers, one can solve the water crisis in our country, alongside preventing the migration of people (for employment) in waterless parts of the country," he maintained. Pandya also referred to Bhakra Nangal Dam, Sardar Sarovar Dam and Mullaperiyar Dam, reiterating that working on connecting the rivers would be an important step. After the formation of a separate 'Jal Shakti' ministry in the Modi government 2.0, the onus is now on the steps to be taken to implement the project. On the other hand, Environmentalist Pankaj Kumar warns that there would be adverse effects if we will try to change nature's order. "Rivers have their natural course and connecting them would lead to large scale deforestation and migration of people to different places. Also, when it comes to connecting two rivers, it is important to see whether the water of both rivers is clean or not," he remarked. Recollecting an example, Kumar said that the 'Ken-Betwa River Linking Project' was not completed and has run into several hurdles. "Though Former Union Minister Uma Bharti expended her time and energy, the project remained incomplete, during her tenure," he added. According to Pankaj, the interlinking of rivers cannot be done due to several scientific reasons and the practicality of the situation. "There will be negative outcomes if this scheme is implemented," he claimed.

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