Question : INTERLINKING OF RIVERS

(a) the details of the study conducted for the interlinking of river projects along with the procedure laid down with regard to consultation with the State Governments for interlinking of rivers;

(b) whether the Government has conducted any study on the environmental impact of the proposed projects;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the complaints received regarding adverse impact on environment including action taken thereupon;

(d) whether the Government proposes to utilise Brahmaputra water by diverting it to Ganga; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor including the details of the consultation held with the people and State Government of Assam?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION; PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND TEXTILES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE).(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) Under the National Perspective Plan (NPP), 30 Interstate River links have been identified. The feasibility reports for these links were prepared by the national Water Development Agency and sent to the concerned States. This is subsequently taken up by the consensus Group headed by Chairman, Central Water Commission and Secretaries of Irrigation/Water Resource Departments of the concerned States, for arriving at a consensus for sharing of the surplus water and preparation of Detailed Project Report.

Based on the consensus, the DPRs for the Ken-Betwa Link, Damanganga - Pinjal link have been completed by National Water Development Agency (NWDA), and submitted to the concerned States. The DPR of Par-Tapi-Narmada link is in various stages of completion.

(b) to (c) The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies are first carried out at Feasibility Report level. Detailed EIA studies as per Terms of Reference approved by Environmental Appraisal Committee

(EAC) of Ministry of Environment & Forest are carried out at the Detailed Project Report stage. All environmental impacts and issues arising out of the EIA studies are duly addressed in Environmental Management Plan, which forms a part of DPR. So far detailed EIA studies of Ken-Betwa Link Project and Damanganga-Pinjal Link Project have been completed.

(d) to (e) Yes, Madam, for utilization of surplus flood water of Manas, Sankosh rivers which are originating in Bhutan and are tributaries of Brahamputra, the Manas-Sankosh-Tista-Ganga (M-S-T-G) link has been identified. The Pre-Feasibility Report of MSTG Link Project has been prepared and sent to all concerned States including Assam for their concurrence.