The idea of river inter-linking projects can address the issue of water scarcity and food security in the country. Critically analyse (200 Words)
Refer - Business Line
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 3 years
KEY POINTS
One of the biggest announcements made in Budget 2022-23 is the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link Project with an estimated cost of Rs 44,605 crore.
The benefits
· The RLP involves the process of diverting surplus river water through a network of canals to water-starved areas either within or outside a State.
· The RLP will balance the uneven water flow in different river basins, which otherwise flows wastefully into sea.
· The diversion of water from surplus to water-starved area will ensure food security, resulting in poverty reduction.
· The National River Linking Project (NRLP) proposes to transfer the excess flood water from the States to the water scarce regions.
· It claims to provide additional irrigation to about 35 million hectares in the water scarce western and peninsular regions.
The concerns
· RLP can do irreversible damage; the large network of dams and canals will alter the natural drainage leading to flooding.
· surplus water should not be diverted from a river on a large scale as the excess water is necessary to keep river basins healthy as it percolates down to the soil, recharges groundwater, etc.
· RLP appears to be an effective solution for addressing the problems of water scarcity, poverty and flood.
· There may be a concern over the sharing of a scarce resource; this could also be one of the main reasons for States not willing to share their surplus water with other States.
Ananta Kumar Muduli 3 years
Good morning sir
IAS Parliament 3 years
Try to include about socio-economic aspects. Keep Writing.
