(a) whether the Government has decided to disband the Task Force on rivers;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the number of links identified to link Peninsular rivers;
(d) the estimated costs of these links;
(e) by when the linking work would commence;
(f) whether the Government proposes to constitute any special cell on inter-linking of rivers in place of Task Force; and
(g) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI PRIYA RANJAN DASMUNSI)
(a) to (g) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (g) OF THE
STARRED QUESTION NO. +142 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.3.2005 IN
LOK SABHA REGARDING DISBANDING OF TASK FORCE ON LINKING OF
RIVERS
(a) & (b) Keeping in view that the Task Force on Inter
Linking of Rivers (TFILR) had completed its mandated task by
submitting Action Plan-I in April 2003 and Action Plan-II
in April 2004 respectively to the Government; it was decided
to wind up TFILR with effect from (w.e.f..) December 31,
2004.
(c) & (d) 16 links have been identified for preparation of
feasibility reports under Peninsular Component. The
estimated cost of these links (at 2002-03 price level) is
Rs. 1,85,000 crores.
(e) The implementation of Inter Linking of Rivers
(ILR) programme would depend on how fast the consensus
between concerned States is arrived at for preparation of
the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the link proposed.
(f) & (g) A Special Cell under the Ministry of Water
Resources, has been constituted w.e.f. 1.1.2005 to look
after the residual routine work of the TF-ILR and for taking
follow up action on the ILR programme. A Committee of
Environmentalists, Social Scientists and Other Experts under
the Chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources
was constituted on 28th December, 2004 with a view to make
the process of proceeding on ILR consultative.