Interlinking of Rivers Projects

Interlinking of Rivers projects estimated at Rs 4.44 lakh crore

New Delhi, UNI: Deccan Herald, Dec. 04, 2007

The Minister said the Task Force submitted Action Plan I and Action Plan II in April, 2003 and April, 2004 respectively and thus completed its assigned functions.

The Task force for the Interlinking of rivershas estimated the total cost of the project at Rs 4.44 lakh crore,the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

In a reply during Question Hour, Minister of State for WaterResources Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav said,’’based on studies,the National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER) hasestimated that the cost of the ILR project would be Rs 4.44 lakh crore.The NCAER is of the view that the programme would take nearly35-40 years.’’The Minister said the Task Force submitted Action Plan Iand Action Plan II in April, 2003 and April, 2004 respectivelyand thus completed its assigned functions.

He said on the basis of a report from IIM Ahmedabad, a two tier institutional and organisational set up has been suggested for implementation of the programme on ILR with an apex body of the proposed set up.

‘’The Task force consulted ICICI for funding options which hasproposed that the funding should be partly through public, publicprivate and private inputs,’’the Minister said.

Expressing the Government’s commitment to implementing the ILR project, the Minister said,’’the project has been given due importance by the UPA government. No stone will be left unturned as we want to save the country from droughts and floods.’’



----- Original Message -----
From: K. R. Venkataramaiah
To: thehindu@vsnl.com
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 5:37 PM
Subject: Fw: Bring rivers Ganga and Bramhaputra to South India.

Subject: Bring rivers Ganga and Bramhaputra to South India.
Dear Sir / Madam:

So much of water from rivers Ganga and Bramhaputra is merging with the Bay of Bengal. Often, floods are causing havoc to populations and property.

Efforts should be made to harness this bountiful gift for the benefit of people who suffer so much without adequate rains and therefore not having enough water for basic needs and agriculture.

India's eminent engineer K. L. Rao had initiated proposals to bring river Ganga to the South decades ago. Apparently, the concept was not included in the five year plan at that time, may be due lack of required finances, or lack of required confidence or lack of will and or because of other priorities.

But the need for water has escalated owing to increase in population and changing rain patterns. On the other hand, economy of the country has improved multi-fold. The confidence level of the people of India has surged to much higher levels. The Engineering and technical skills of locals are no less to any outsiders. As a result, large and complicated projects can be initiated and completed as planned. What is needed is, from all quarters, the will and determination of the Leadership of the Nation to take on, such historical projects.

Ganga Water Way have to flow though the states of Uttarapradesh, Madyapradesh, Maharashtra, Andhrapradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Only, these states should share the costs of the project in proportion to the benefits acquired and in proportion to the complexities of the engineering tasks in its boundaries.

It is possible that this Ganga Water Way may have to cross rivers Narmada, Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery.

Bramhaputra Water Way may have to flow through the states of Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chattisagarh, Orissa, Andrapradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

It is possible this Bramhaputra Water Way may have to cross rivers Kosi, Mahanadi and others.


If the concept is acceptable to the leadership, tabling the idea through Planning Commission and other committees should be avoided. Instead, an Engineering Group should be set up to draw the Conceptual Design, which when approved should lead to the final Detail Design.

This Engineering group should consist of the best engineers from each of the states having this water way. This group should directly report to the Water Way Ministers conference represented by the finance minister of each state having the water way, and headed by the Federal finance minister.

Such water ways will result in hydro electric power generation, enhance irrigation, provide recreational facilities, offer environmental beauty to birds, people and allow animals and vegetation to flourish and even could provide transportation means and improve tourism.

India has World-class engineers in all areas required for execution of this project-Civil, Structural, Seismic, Hydraulics, Dam Design as required, Surveying, Soil engineering, Tunnel engineering, Canal & Irrigation engineering, Electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer engineering.

India has also competent people in the associated areas of Scheduling, Procurement, Material Transportation, Configuration Control, Quality and Engineering Assurance, and Risk Management. All they need is the good will and support of the People of India and the blessings of their leaders.

The Ganga and Bramhaputra Water Way projects are achievable. All the like minded people should appeal to the leaders to make it happen. If these projects are undertaken, thousands of jobs will be created. This is good for the economy and good for India.

It is possible that many successful Indian companies and companies owned by Overseas Citizens of India and NRIs could assist.

The writer appreciates " The Hindu " very much for publishing the above information.

Dr. K. R. Venkatataramaiah, Ph. D., P.Eng.
Toronto, Canada