Task Force for ILR/Inter linking of Rivers : Agenda

Task Force for ILR/Inter linking of Rivers : Agenda

Question - Government of India has recently proposed a Task Force for Interlinking of Rivers. Discuss the agenda of this task force.

Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has formed a Task Force for ILR 2015 for looking into issues regarding the inter linking of rivers.

The agenda of the task force is as follows:

• Considering expediting of work on interlinking of rivers according to the National Perspective Plan for Interlinking of Himalayan and Peninsular rivers

• Facilitation of inter-linking of intra state, intra basin rivers

• The task force will also review:

- Time schedules for finishing feasibility studies and DPRs
- Implementation routine of the ILR project
- Innovative funding mechanisms for these projects

• Considering alternative plans in the event the National Perspective Plan is not feasible

• Provide guidance on norm appraisal of individual projects with regard to:

- Economic viability
- Socio-economic, environmental impacts
- Setting up of resettlement plan

• Formulate suitable mechanisms for creating speedy consensus among states

• Put forth suitable organisational structure for implementing of the project

• Review work of sub-committees set up by ILR special committee and facilitate their task completion

Facts and Stats

• To speed up inter linking of rivers and arrive at consensus on link proposals amidst states, Special Committee on Interlinking of Rivers has been formed by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation in 2014

• Despite precipitation of 4000 cubic km per year, over 3,000 cubic km of total is confined to 4 months of monsoon with remaining 1000 cubic km in the next 8 months

• Bulk of water in India lands up in oceans unused and run off into river systems is estimated by National Commission at 1953 cubic km

• ILR will have a beneficial impact for meeting the challenge of the water crisis in India