River interlinking, the fount of environmental disaster
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
Topic : GS3-Environment
Context
- Date: December 25, 2024
- Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa River Link Project.
- Purpose: The project seeks to combat water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region, which includes areas of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Ken-Betwa River Link Project Overview
- Project Details: Construction of a dam within the Panna Tiger Reserve raises ecological concerns.
- Objective: Links the surplus Ken River to the water-deficient Betwa River.
Historical Perspective on River Interlinking
- Origin: Proposed 130 years ago by Sir Arthur Cotton; refined by M. Visvesvaraya.
- Expansion: K.L. Rao and Captain Dinshaw Dastur promoted the ‘National Water Grid’ in the 1970s-80s.
- NWDA: Established in 1982 to study the feasibility of interlinking 30 river systems.
- Cost Estimate: River interlinking projected to cost ₹5.5 lakh crore (excluding social, environmental, and operational expenses).
Environmental and Economic Criticism
- Objections: Experts highlight potential environmental damage and disruption to ecosystems.
- Neglect of Ecology: Critics argue that policymakers overlook ecological services provided by rivers, such as silt transport and groundwater recharge.
- Delta Impact: Water diversion harms delta ecosystems vital for biodiversity and livelihoods.
Lessons from Global Examples
- Indus Delta: Biodiversity suffered due to water diversion projects.
- Sardar Sarovar Dam: A modern example of environmental degradation in India.
- Geoengineering Failures: The failures of projects like Florida’s Kissimmee River channelization and the Aral Sea depletion underscore risks.
Root Causes of India’s Water Crisis
- Crisis Factors: Issues include poor water management, environmental neglect, legal ambiguities, and corruption.
- Policy Recommendations:
- Implement a comprehensive national water policy focusing on watershed management and aquifer regulation.
- Engage farmers in efficient irrigation practices and wastewater reuse.
Lessons from Israel’s Water Management
- Drip Irrigation: Israel’s system saves 25%-75% of water, optimizing agricultural water use.
- Modern Techniques: Adopt practices that reduce consumption of water, fertilizers, and pesticides while preserving aquifer health.
Contradictions in Policy and Cultural Values
- Cultural Discrepancy: Despite revering rivers, interlinking projects may threaten their natural existence.
- Exploitation Issues: Overexploitation occurs through dam construction, industrial waste, and commodification for religious purposes.
Conclusion
- Balancing Act: The Ken-Betwa project highlights the tension between development and ecological sustainability.
- Essential Approach: A multidisciplinary strategy, learning from both global and local practices, is vital to effectively tackle India’s water crisis.