Inter-Linking of Rivers under NPP The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has formulated a National Perspective Plan (NPP) for Water Resources Development envisaging inter-basin transfer of water from surplus basins to deficit basins/ areas. Based on surveys, investigations and detailed studies, National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has prepared pre-feasibility reports which facilitated identification of 30 links under the NPP. The initial cost of the Inter Linking projects as estimated in Preliminary Studies at Pre-feasibility/Feasibility stage by the then Task Force on Interlinking of Rivers (TF-ILR-2002) is Rs 5.60 Lakh crore at 2002 Price Level. The expenditure on inter-linking projects can be estimated only after completion of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of individual link projects. Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has kept an amount of Rs. 280 cr. in 12th Five year plan, for preparation of Pre-feasibility Report (PFR), Feasibility Report (FR) and Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the various river-link projects. The budgetary provision for preparation of Feasibility Reports (FRs) and Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the last three Financial Year viz. 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 is Rs. 51.30 cr., Rs. 63.20 cr., and Rs. 60.0 cr. respectively, and for Fiscal Year 2015-16 Rs. 69.0 cr. has been allocated. The expenditure has been incurred for studies for establishing viability of the proposals from hydrological and technical angles. The Government is pursuing the Interlinking of River program in a consultative manner. Its implementation is dependent upon the consensus and co-operation of the concerned States and upon obtaining various mandatory clearances from Ministry/ Departments of Central and State Governments including statutory clearances. The implementation of National Perspective Plan for water Resources Development would create an additional irrigation potential of approximately 35 million hectare and generate 34000 mega watts (MW) hydro power apart from the incidental benefits of flood moderation, navigation, drinking and industrial water supply, fisheries, salinity and pollution control etc. This information was given by Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti in a written reply in Lok Sabha today. Samir/jk
