(a) whether the Government has started dredging work of various rivers in the country including Krishna river in Andhra Pradesh; and
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the funds spent for this purpose, State/UT-wise and river-wise during 11th & 12th Plan period?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION
(PROF.SANWAR LAL JAT)
(a)&(b) The aspects of siltation in rivers have been studied in the past by a Committee headed by Dr. B.K. Mittal, ex-Chairman, CWC. This Committee had not recommended dredging in large rivers in general as a solution for improvement of channel capacity due to problems associated with repeated high cost of maintenance and disposal of excavated earth. However, dredging has been recommended in specific reaches of rivers or at their mouths for removal of drainage congestion, if found techno-economically viable on the basis of required model studies. Recently, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has formulated plans for dredging in river Krishna between Wazirabad and Vijayawada for navigational purpose on National Waterway No 4, which is at survey and investigation stage. During XI and XII Plans, no expenditure has been incurred on dredging of rivers for the purpose of flood management.
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