Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment. (UPSC IAS Mains 2017 General Studies Paper – 3)
India is endowed with vast natural resources distributed unevenly across the country. National Perspective Plan for river linking was initiated with the objective of transferring water from surplus basins to deficit basins. The river linking project has many advantages as listed below–
- Transfer of water from surplus regions like Assam and Bihar will help in solving the perennial flood problem that plagues these regions.
- As a corollary many drought affected areas will be able to access sufficient water for irrigation, drinking and other purposes.
- River linking project will provide additional irrigation benefits. According to estimates, around 35 Mha of additional irrigation potential will be created.
- It has also been estimated that around 34,000 megawatt of hydroelectricity would also be produced that could be used for irrigation and other purposes.
- The wide network of inland navigation proposed by the government will also be facilitated by the initiative. This move will ease pressure on rail and road transport.
- Inter-state water dispute will also be resolved to a great extent.
Possible impact on environment
- It is feared that construction of big dams and long canals will destroy natural vegetation and will disturb the ecological balance.
- The project will also be detrimental to mangroves in the delta region of West Bengal and will have implications for richest fisheries in India.
- It will inundate large tract of fertile agricultural land and make them unsuitable for agriculture.
The river link project is not without its disadvantages. The environmental angle needs to be taken into consideration such that minimum damage accrues to ecology and environment.
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