(a) whether any study has been undertaken to ascertain impact of interlinking of rivers on irrigation, flora and fauna, etc.
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is taking any safeguards in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION
(PROF. SANWAR LAL JAT)
(a) to (d) Yes Madam, the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation has formulated a National Perspective Plan (NPP) for Water Resources Development in 1980 envisaging inter-basin transfer of water from surplus basins to deficit basins/areas. Based on surveys, investigations and detailed studies, National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has indentified 30 links under the NPP.
One of the major objectives of inter-basin transfer of water project is to provide irrigation to the hitherto unirrigated areas in its command. The projects in some cases stabilize and consolidate the existing irrigation arrangement which falls short of the actual requirement. So far, based on the concurrence of the concerned States, Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for Ken-Betwa link (Phase-I & Phase-II), Damanganga – Pinjal Links of NPP have been completed by NWDA. At the time of preparation of DPR of the individual river link project, detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies as per Terms of Reference approved by Environmental Appraisal Committee (EAC) of Ministry of Environment and Forests & Climate Change are carried out. EIA study includes impacts on land environment, water resources and its quality, terrestrial ecology (flora, fauna, vegetation cover, wildlife), aquatic ecology (riverine ecology, fisheries), pollution due to noise during construction phase, impact on air quality, impact due to command area development, impacts on local services (like water supply, education, health care, community forests, impacts on business opportunities). All environmental impacts and issues arising out of the EIA studies are duly addressed in Environmental Management Plan which forms a part of DPR. All due safeguards in this regard are planned and envisaged for implementation accordingly.
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