Inter-linking of rivers only solution: Pandya

Inter-linking of rivers is the only solution for various water-related problems being witnessed in the country, said A.B. Pandya chairman of the Central Water Commission

Speaking at the release of a book titled "Inter-linking of Indian Rivers" by Radha Kant Bharati, former editor of Bhagirath, a journal of water resources published by CWC, Pandya said: "The management of the available water resources within our geographical boundaries is very essential."

"It is generally assumed that in a country of tropical monsoon type of climate, water is available in abundance. But this is a wrong notion. Even during good monsoon, some parts of the country face scarcity due to irregularities in rainfall," he added.

Source: ZeenewsIndia

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Taxonomy

• River Studies
• River Restoration
• River Engineering
• India

2 Comments

1. Linking of rivers in trans-boundary river basin system is a good idea for its water resources development to meet ever rising water demands; where water needs exceeds its availability. The latter is never ensured or properly estimated, due to several reasons. River linking involves mega projects. Although, their implementation a herculean task. Will power, funds, man power, infrastructure, facilities, time etc. would be present and available. But, there would be conflicts, controversies, uncertainty, ambiguity, fight, dozen questions, confusion, war etc. The reason; in a trans-boundary river basin or otherwise, being not sure of which water, what water and why water; further whose waters, but from where and when but then for whom! These are the basic answers needed for its success. It is not so simple to determine. The Questions are numerous and wide spread; and are to be answered in space and time. An attempt of optimal integrated trans-boundary river basin water resources development should certainly overcome this burden. The hint is towards opting and carrying out optimization-simulation modelling approach. This integrated approach does provide solutions to almost all untold answers of water resources development and management of river basins. The task at hand is huge and enormous; is multi-disciplinary, multi-objective, and multi-stakeholders; and is very data extensive.

   D.K. Srivastava

2. Though I tend to agree that this is the ultimate solution but due to huge investments, gestation periods, displacement of tens of lacs of people enroute can be a daunting task. Therefore, it may be better to do extensive study to take the project in several phases. Obviously, the first phase has to interlink the flood causing rivers like Brahmputra, Kosi etc. and see how these can serve the most parched landmass in central and south India where water scarcity is huge. Also, it may be a good idea to use technology like level and flow monitoring devices, constructing dams/barrages, storing and releasing water automatically in a controller manner using ARMAC systems with GSM/Internet/VSAT networks and motor operated gates on the other with manual override option. Long distance range Sirens can be integrated to warn people before releasing water manually or automatically in emergency situations like in case of extreme heavy rainfall or snow melting in catchment areas.