Uma Bharti calls for Fast Track mode for Inter-Linking of Rivers Consultative Committee meeting of Ministry of Water Resources Held

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has called for fast track measures to achieve the goal of inter-linking of rivers (ILR) in the country. Addressing the Parliamentary consultative meeting of her Ministry here today the Minister said that as per the National Perspective Plan of ILR, it would give additional benefits of 35 million hect. of irrigation (25 million hect. of irrigation from surface waters and 10 million hect. by increased use of ground waters) raising the ultimate irrigation potential from 140 million hect. to 175 million hect. and generation of 34000 MW of power, apart from the benefits of flood control, navigation, water supply, fisheries, salinity and pollution control etc. She said, ILR is a project of national importance and its purpose is to provide equitable distribution of water in the country which will specially benefit flood and drought prone areas. I seek co-operation of all the States in this national task.