(a) whether the Government proposes to assess the quantum of water in basin of Krishna, Godavari and Narmada rivers before preparing the feasibility report of Interlinking of Rivers;
(b) if so, whether the State Governments would be allowed to interlink rivers in these States;
(c) if so, whether any proposal in this regard is received from State Governments by the Union Government; and
(d) if so, the action taken by the Government in the matter?
THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI)
(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE
STARRED QUESTION NO. 184 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.7.2004 IN LOK
SABHA REGARDING ASSESSMENT OF WATER IN RIVERS.
(a) to (d) The Central Water Commission has assessed the
water resources potential in the river basins of India. The
annual average water resources potential in Krishna, Godavari
and Narmada rivers is 78.12 Billion Cubic Metre (BCM), 110.54
BCM and 45.64 BCM respectively. However, due to topographical
and other constraints, the utilizable surface water in these
3 river basins has been assessed as 58 BCM, 76.3 BCM and 34.5
BCM respectively. National Water Development Agency (NWDA)
has also conducted water balance studies of sub-basins of
Godavari and Krishna basins. Based upon its study, NWDA has
carried out Pre-feasibility studies of 17 river link
proposals under the Peninsular Component of National
Perspective Plan (NPP).
The Central Government envisages a comprehensive
review of the feasibility of linking all the rivers of the
country starting with the southern rivers in a fully
consultative manner. The Central Government also envisages to
explore the feasibility of linking sub-basins of rivers in
states like Bihar.