Question : RIVER LINKING PROJECTS

(a) the present status of River-Linking Projects;

(b) whether the Supreme Court has sought details from the Union Government with regard to progress made under the Second Action Plan in respect of linking of rivers;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Union Government had made it clear that States have to participate and agree for river linking projects;

(e) if so, the States which have opposed the proposal;

(f) whether the Task Force on inter-linking of rivers has submitted its interim report to the Union Government; and

(g) if so, the salient features thereof and by when the final report is likely to be submitted to the Government?

THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI ARJUN CHARAN SETHI)

(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. 87 TO BE ANSWERED ON 8.12.2003 IN LOK SABHA REGARDING RIVER - LINKING PROJECTS

(a) Based on various water balance and prefeasibility studies carried out by National Water Development Agency (NWDA), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Water Resources, 30 links (14 under Himalayan Component and 16 under Peninsular Component) have been identified for preparation of Feasibility Reports (FRs). Out of the 30 identified links, NWDA has completed FRs of 8 links. The Union Government has set-up a Task Force in December , 2002 with a view to bring about a consensus among the States and provide guidance on norms of appraisal of individual projects and modalities for funding etc., for implementing the interlinking of rivers project.

(b) The Hon’ble Supreme Court while hearing Writ Petition (Civil) No.512/2002 on ‘Networking of Rivers’ passed an order on 10th November, 2003 directing Union of India to file an affidavit placing on record up to date progress in the matter within a period of six weeks.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) & (e) The Task Force has been asked to suggest modalities for arriving at the speedy consensus among the States.

(f) & (g) The Task Force is expected to submit its final report during 2004.