I have heard a lot of talk these days about the fascination for interlinking the major rivers in India. For me it is rather surprising that such a thought might gain so much attention. After a long time the old idea and the old debate of a massive project of interlinking rivers in India has been rejuvenated, thanks to the February 27 directive by the Supreme Court to the ruling coalition to set up a committee and start its implementation. It is shocking and amusing I believe for a lot a people, as this project doesn’t really appear plausible economically and ecologically.
But even with it around 14 river links up north and 16 down south are being considered for this project. This project has come to the forefront because it is being considered as a one-stop solution to prevent floods, droughts, tackle water shortage issue, increase irrigation and thus food grain production. But are these benefits real or are they perceptional?
Although the technical feasibility has been well studied and justified, talking from the environmental point of view, this project gets a thumbs down from most of the environmental working groups including the CSE. There are a few major drawbacks that experts have pointed out. Firstly there is a feeling that this project attempts at redesigning the very geography of India. The rivers are being viewed as pipelines which is startling. Secondly around 80 dams need to be built which will definitely have a major and adverse ecological impact. Each dam will mean displacement of people which is not always feasible. Thirdly there is a fear of simultaneous flooding and drying up of river basins that are anticipated to be linked. There is also a fear of depletion of coastal ecology, especially mangroves, due to the diversion of “surplus” river water.
All these concerns indicate that the economic and environmental costs of interlinking India’s rivers overshadow its probable benefits. It also calls for a broad discussion and research about the possible effects of this project. Because any damage to the environment can be irreversible.
