Project Report for Inter-Linking of Rivers

RAJYA SABHA

Five links under the peninsular component of National Perspective Plan (NPP) have been identified as priority links for building consensus among concerned states for taking up their Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). DPR of one priority link namely, Ken – Betwa has been completed on 31.12.2008. The same was sent to the Governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh for comments. The Government of Madhya Pradesh vide letter dated 19.8.2009 sent an alternative proposal for consideration. The comments of the Government of Uttar Pradesh have also been received vide their letter 23.10.2009. Secretary (Water Resources) convened a meeting with the officials of the Governments of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on 3.2.2010 in this regard. As per the decision taken in the meeting, National Water Development Agency has taken up the work of preparation of DPR for Phase -1 of Ken-Betwa link project consisting of Daudhan Dam, link canal, power houses along with their components, which is planned to be completed by April, 2010. Further, NWDA has taken up the DPRs of another two priority links namely, Par – Tapi – Narmada & Damanganga – Pinjal after concurrence of the concerned states which are planned to be completed by December, 2011. The concerned states have not given concurrence to take up DPR of another priority link namely, Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal.

As per guideline for implementation of National Projects, river linking projects are eligible for 90% Central Assistance. However, the above link projects have not reached the stage of implementation. The implementation of the link proposals under NPP depends upon consensus and cooperation of concerned states. Further, the projects including interlinking projects are taken up for implementation after the clearances of the central appraising agencies which include Environmental clearance by Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF), Techno-economic clearance by Technical Advisory Committee of Ministry of Water Resources, clearance by Ministry of Tribal Affairs and investment clearance by the Planning Commission.

Fifth Priority link namely, Godavari (Polavaram)- Krishna (Vijayawada) is part of the Polavaram project of the Andhra Pradesh. Planning Commission has given investment clearance to the Polavaram Project and the Government of Andhra Pradesh has taken up the above project including link component as per their proposals. Polavaram project is getting central assistance under Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) as per it’s guidelines. However, the proposal for central assistance to this project under AIBP during current year has not been received from the State Government.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Water Resources, Shri Vincent H. Pala in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

SK/RS