Question : LINKING OF GANGA CAUVERY RIVERS

(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned “Centre Considering Ganga-Cauvery link” appearing in the Hindustan Times dated October 5, 2002;

(b) if so, whether the Union Government have been actively considering to link Ganga-Cauvery rivers basins as a remedy for all water problems in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details of water disputes remain unresolved for the last many years inspite of intervention of the Union Government; and

(e) the extent to which all water disputes are likely to be resolved after linking Ganga-Cauvery river basins?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SMT. BIJOYA CHAKRAVARTY)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b), (c) & (e) In 1980, the Ministry of Water Resources, then known as the Ministry of Irrigation, formulated a National Perspective Plan for water resources development which envisages inter linkages among Peninsular Rivers and Himalayan Rivers for transferring water from water surplus basins to water deficit areas for optimum utilisation of water resources. The Himalayan Component would provide substantial flood control in Ganga and Brahamhaputra basins besides providing additional irrigation and generation of hydropower. The Government of India has established the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) in 1982 as an autonomous society to carryout water balance and other studies and prepare feasibility reports. NWDA has identified 30 links under the National Perspective for preparation of the feasibility reports and has completed feasibility reports of 6 links under Peninsular Component. It is programmed to complete fesibility reports of all the identified water transfer link schemes under the Peninsular Component by the year 2004 and those under the Himalayan Component by the year 2008. Implementation of the water transfer links would only be possible if the concerned co-basin States agree to the water linkage proposal and provide other logistical support necessary for project implementation.


(d) The Ravi and Beas Water Dispute between the States of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan and Cauvery Water Disputes between the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Pondicherry were referred to Tribunals under the provisions of ISWD Act, 1956 in April, 1986 and June 1990 respectively. The Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal submitted their fact finding report in January, 1987. The Central Government and party States have sought explanations/guidance from the Tribunal under Section 5(3) of the ISWD Act, 1956. The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal has passed an interim order on June 25, 1991. Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal is holding regular hearings for adjudicating the Cauvery Water Dispute.