Question raised in Lok Sabha on Inter-Linking of Rivers, 25/02/2016
Question raised in Lok Sabha on Inter-Linking of Rivers, 25/02/2016. This Ministry has formulated a National Perspective Plan (NPP) for Water Resources Development envisaging inter-basin transfer of water from surplus basins to deficit basins/ areas. Based on surveys, investigations and detailed studies, National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has prepared pre-feasibility reports which facilitated identification of 30 links under the NPP. The status of river links identified under NPP are given in Annexure-I. Based on the concurrence of the States, Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for Ken-Betwa, Damanganga-Pinjal and Par-Tapi-Narmada links have been completed by NWDA. The initial cost of the Inter Linking projects as estimated in Preliminary Studies at Pre-feasibility/Feasibility stage by the then Task Force on Interlinking of Rivers (TF-ILR-2002) is Rs 5.60 Lakh crore at 2002 Price Level. The expenditure on inter-linking projects can be estimated only after completion of Detailed Project Report (DPRs) of individual link projects. The estimated expenditure of link projects for which Detailed Project Reports have been completed is given at Annexure-II. The Government is pursuing the Interlinking of River program in a consultative manner. Its implementation is dependent upon the consensus and co-operation of the concerned States and upon obtaining various mandatory clearances from Ministry/ Departments of Central and State Governments including statutory clearances. The details of objections raised by concerned State Governments for taking up Feasibility Report (FR)/DPR of proposed inter-linking of river projects are given at Annexure III.