Linking of Ken, Betwa rivers to begin by year-end

The interlinking of Ken and Betwa rivers in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh would commence by this year end, and this would be a "model" project in the NDA government's ambitious programme to interlink rivers in the country.
While the Ken-Betwa river link project would be the first project to be executed under the interlinking of rivers, the Centre is also taking up the planning of another important link - Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga in consultation with the governments of Assam, West Bengal and Bihar.
According to a statement, Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sanwar Lal Jat today said that various clearances related to environment, wildlife and forest for the Ken-Betwa link project are in the advanced stage of processing.

"I hope with all statutory clearance available, we will be able to start the actual execution of work on the project by the end of this year. The government will be implementing this national project as model link project of Inter-Linking of Rivers programme," he said, while chairing the fifth meeting of the Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers here today, the statement added.
Asking states with sufficient water resources to appreciate the national need for interlinking of rivers with a "spirit of goodwill and cooperation", he said that this mega project will go a long way in enhancing water and food security of the country.

The Minister also said that work for preparation of DPR of Par-Tapi-Narmada link project is in concluding stage and it is expected to be completed by this month end.

After completion of DPR for Par-Tapi-Narmada link project the issue of water sharing between Gujarat and Maharashtra with respect to Damanganga-Pinjal and Par-Tapi-Narmada link project will be addressed, he added.
On Sapt-Kosi project, he said that investigation and preparation of DPR of Nepal part of this project is being expedited. The Sapt-Kosi dam will facilitate the Kosi-Ghagra link, which apart from irrigation will provide huge flood control benefit to Bihar, he added.

Jat further said that his ministry would soon be taking up the planning of another very important link Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga in consultation with the Governments of Assam, West-Bengal and Bihar.