Interlinking of Rivers

At the time of preparation of Detailed Project Report of the individual river link projects, detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies as per Terms of Reference approved by Environmental Appraisal Committee (EAC) of Ministry of Environment and Forests & Climate Change are carried out. EIA study includes impact on land, environment, water resources and its quality, terrestrial ecology (flora, fauna, vegetation cover, wildlife), aquatic ecology (riverine ecology, fisheries), pollution due to noise during construction phase, air quality, command area development, local services (like water supply, education, health care, community forests, as well as business opportunities). All issues arising out of the EIA studies are duly addressed in Environmental Management Plan, which forms a part of DPR.

Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) Plan in respect of project affected persons is an integral part of the implementation of any ILR Project and is included in the DPR. A comprehensive R&R Plan as per the R & R Policy guidelines of the Government of India – (2007)and R&R policy of the State Governments has been prepared in respect of both Ken-Betwa Link Project Phase-I & Phase-II and Damanganga-Pinjal Link Project for which, the DPRs have been prepared.

In order to address various issues concerning the Inter- Linking of River Programme and to arrive at a consensus on the link proposals between the States, a Special Committee on interlinking of Rivers, has already been constituted by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation in September, 2014. Three meetings of the Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) have been held so far, wherein State Irrigation/Water Resources Ministers along with the Secretaries of various States attended the meeting. The Committee after considering the views of all the stakeholders is proceeding ahead to expedite the objectives of interlinking rivers as per terms of reference of the Committee.

States were consulted for inviting their suggestions on strengthening and/or restructuring Central Water Commission in August, 2011. The views/observations of 11 major States were received. The suggestions made incorporate ensuring core competence in engineering, design and consultancy with CWC, participation of State engineers in the work of CWC through deputation and active involvement of CWC in capacity building of States. The States also observed that national level perspectives need to be generated and process of clearance of the projects streamlined. On the whole, consultation and advisory role was sought through a strengthened and restructured Central Water Commission.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.