Interlinking of Rivers
- Status, Issues and Challenges
(JALMANTHAN 2 Conference – 22.2.2016)
S. Masood Husain
Director General
National Water Development Agency
National Water Development Agency
Need for Inter Basin Water Transfers
[IBWT]
•
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Large variation in rainfall and available water
resources in space and time
As a result of this variability, drought and floods
co – exist in the country
Diversion of water from water surplus basins to
water deficit basins/areas
Use of the surplus water which is otherwise
flowing into the sea unutilized
To mitigate likely adverse impact of climate
change, short term and long term measures
including IBWT projects required
National Water Development Agency, MoWR
2
Proposals for Interlinking of Rivers
Historical Background
-
• ILR is not a new concept
• Sir Arthur Cotton‟s Navigational Plan in 1850s
- Not pursued
• Dr. K.L. Rao‟s Proposal of Ganga Cauvery Link
and National Water Grid Proposal (1972)
• Capt. Dastur‟s Garland Canal Proposal (1978)
• Above two not found to be techno –
economically feasible
• National Perspective Plan (1980) - MoWR
National Water Development Agency, MoWR
3
National Perspective Plan For Water
Resources Development
• In 1980, the then Ministry of Irrigation
and
Central
Water
Commission
formulated the National Perspective Plan
(NPP) for Water Resources Development
envisaging Inter Basin Water Transfer
comprising of two Components :
 Peninsular Rivers Development - 16 links
 Himalayan Rivers Development - 14 links
National Water Development Agency, MoWR
4
Proposed Inter Basin Water Transfer Links
National Water Development Agency, MoWR
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Water Transfer Links
PENINSULAR COMPONENT
National Water Development Agency, MoWR
1. Mahanadi (Manibhadra) –
Godavari (Dowlaiswaram)
2. Godavari (Inchampalli) –
Krishna (Pulichintala)
3. Godavari (Inchampalli) –
Krishna (Nagarjunasagar)
4. Godavari (Polavaram) –
Krishna (Vijayawada)
5. Krishna (Almatti) – Pennar
6. Krishna (Srisailam) – Pennar
7. Krishna (Nagarjunasagar) –
Pennar (Somasila)
8. Pennar (Somasila) – Cauvery (Grand
Anicut)
9. Cauvery (Kattalai) – Vaigai – Gundar
10. Ken – Betwa
11. Parbati – Kalisindh – Chambal
12. Par – Tapi – Narmada
13. Damanganga – Pinjal
14. Bedti – Varda
15. Netravati – Hemavati
16. Pamba – Achankovil – Vaippar
6
Water Transfer Links
1. Manas –Sankosh - Tista - Ganga
HIMALAYAN COMPONENT
2. Kosi – Ghagra
3. Gandak – Ganga
4. Ghagra – Yamuna
5. Sarda – Yamuna
6. Yamuna – Rajasthan
7. Rajasthan – Sabarmati
8. Chunar – Sone Barrage
9. Sone Dam – Southern Tributaries
of Ganga
10. Ganga – Damodar –
Subernarekha
11. Subernarekha – Mahanadi
12. Kosi – Mechi
13. Farakka – Sunderbans
14. Jogighopa – Tista – Farakka
(Alternate) to No. 1)
National Water Development Agency, MoWR
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Benefits of ILR Programme (As per NPP)
• Additional Irrigation Potential : 35 Mha.
due to ILR Program
• Hydro-Power Generation : 34,000 MW
• Other Benefits :
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Domestic & Industrial Water Supply
Mitigation of Droughts
Flood Management
Navigational Facilities
Employment Generation
Fisheries
Salinity Control
Pollution Control
Infrastructural Development
Socio – Economic Development
8
National Water Development Agency
Priority Links under NPP
• Present Status of Priority links and Preparation of Detailed
Project Reports under National Perspective Plan (NPP)
Link Project
Ken – Betwa
Phase I
Ken – Betwa
Phase II
States
Status of DPR
MP & UP
DPR completed – April, 2010
MP & UP
DPR completed – January,2014
Damanganga –
Pinjal
Par – Tapi –
Narmada
Mahanadi –
Godavari
Gujarat &
Maharashtra
Gujarat &
Maharashtra
Odisha &
A.P.
DPR completed – April, 2014
Manas –
Sankosh – Tista
– Ganga
Assam,
West Bengal &
Bihar
DPR completed in August, 2015
• Alternative proposal presented to Hon‟ble
Odisha CM on 29.5.2015.
• Hon‟ble Minister (WR,RD&GR) had a
meeting with Hon‟ble Chief Minister of
Odisha on 3-2-2016 regarding the project.
• FR/DPR to be taken up after consent of
Odisha.
Feasibility Report under preparation. To be
completed by March, 2016.
National Water Development Agency
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Ken-Betwa Link Project – Phase I
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•
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The main aim of Ken-Betwa link Project Phase – I is
to provide 6.35 lakh ha irrigation and 49 MCM
drinking water supply in the drought prone and
backward Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh
and Uttar Pradesh.
It will transfer surplus water of Ken basin to water
deficit Betwa basin besides power generation of 78
MW.
Estimated Cost Rs 17,700 Crores (2015-16 price level)
77 m high, 2031 m long Daudhan Dam on Ken river
in Chhatarpur district of M.P. 221 km long link canal
Environmental, wildlife and Forest clearance in
advanced stage.
State Wildlife Board, MP has given its clearance to
this project.
National Water Development Agency
10
Ken-Betwa Link Project – Phase I (Contd.)
• Visits/meetings by Hon‟ble Minister (WR,RD&GR).
 A meeting of Consultative Committee of MoWR, RD &GR
was held under Chairpersonship of Hon‟ble Minister
(WR,RD&GR) on 31.8.2015 at Khajuraho (MP) and the
Committee also visited proposed Daudhan dam site of Ken
– Betwa Link Project Phase - I.
 Hon‟ble Members of Parliament of the committee
appreciated efforts made by Ministry under the leadership
of Hon‟ble Minister (WR, RD&GR) in pursuing the project for
its implementation.
 Hon‟ble Minister (WR, RD&GR) visited certain command
areas of Ken – Betwa link project in MP and UP along with
officials of Ministry, CWC and NWDA ON 12-2-2016. Also
made aerial survey of Panchnad dam site.
National Water Development Agency
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12
National Water Development Agency
Damanganga – Pinjal Link Project
• The Project envisages to provide 579 MCM of water of
Damanganga basin for domestic and industrial water
supply to Mumbai city.
• Project Components
 Dams (2 nos.)
 Canal/Tunnel length:
o Tunnels connecting Bhugad reservoir
- 17.488 Km
with Khargihill reservoir
o Khargihill reservoir and Pinjal reservoir - 25.224 Km
• Project Benefits
 Domestic & industrial water supply to Mumbai city - 579 MCM
 Hydropower
- 5 MW
• Total estimated cost - Rs.2746.61Crore (2013-14 price level)
• Benefit Cost Ratio - 1.95
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National Water Development Agency
Damanganga – Pinjal Link Project (Contd.)
• Completion of DPR and submission to Maharashtra and
Gujarat States
 The DPR of Damanganga – Pinjal link was completed and
submitted to Governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat in
April, 2014.
• Techno economic appraisal by CWC
 The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM)
submitted the Detailed Project Report of Damanganga – Pinjal
link project to CWC during January, 2015 for appraisal. The
appraisal is nearing completion.
• Agreement between States of Maharahstra and Gujarat
for Implementation
 Hon’ble Minister (WR,RD&GR) held a meeting with the Hon’ble
Chief Minister of Maharashtra at Mumbai on 7th January, 2015 to
expedite the further course of action on the project.
 Efforts are being made to arrive at an understanding and
agreement for water sharing in respect of both Damanganga
– Pinjal and Par – Tapi – Narmada link projects between
Gujarat and Maharashtra.
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National Water Development Agency
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Par-Tapi-Narmada Link Project
• The main aim of Par-Tapi-Narmada Link Project is to
provide irrigation for 2.30 lakh ha by transferring 1330
MCM of water from Par, Auranga, Ambika and Purna
rivers to water short north Gujarat and Kutch region
besides enroute irrigation and hydropower generation
21 MW.
• DPR completed in August 2015.
• Project Components
 Dams (6 nos.) and Two barrages
 Canal (including tunnel)
-
406 Km
• Project Benefits
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Annual Irrigation
Districts Benefited
- 2.3 lakh ha.
- Valsad, Navsari, Dang, Surat,
Narmada, Bharuch, Vadodara
Hydropower
- 21 MW
Total estimated cost - Rs. 9279 Crore
(2014-15 price level)
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National Water Development Agency
Par – Tapi – Narmada Link Project (Contd.)
• Completion of DPR and submission to Maharashtra
and Gujarat States
 The DPR of Par – Tapi – Narmada link project was
completed and submitted to Governments of Maharashtra
and Gujarat in August, 2015.
• Sharing of water between concerned States of
Maharashtra and Gujarat
 The issue of sharing of water and power in respect of ParTapi-Narmada link project has been under discussion
amongst
NWDA,
Water
Resources
Departments, Government of Gujarat and Maharashtra at
the official level.
 Efforts are being made to arrive at an understanding and
agreement for water sharing in respect of both
Damanganga – Pinjal and Par – Tapi – Narmada link
projects between Gujarat and Maharashtra.
National Water Development Agency
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Existing command of
Miyagaon branch canal
Sardar Sarovar
Ukai
Link canal
Proposed 6
Initially
dams
Proposed 7
dams
X
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Mahanadi – Godavari Link Project
• Water balance studies reveal that Mahanadi and
Godavari basins are water surplus basins.
• The combined surpluses of Mahanadi and Godavari
proposed to be diverted which shall meet the deficit
basins needs in the South up to river Gundar.
• Considering huge submergence of Manibhadra
Reservoir (approx. 59000 ha.), NWDA has studied
alternative proposals to Mahanadi – Godavari link
with minimum submergence and comparable
benefits.
• Revised preliminary proposal of Mahanadi –
Godavari link consisting of Barmul dam with reduced
submergence, six storage projects and an Intra State
link.
National Water Development Agency
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Mahanadi – Godavari Link Project (Contd…)
• A presentation on revised proposal of Mahanadi – Godavari
link was made by a team led by Special Secretary
(WR,RD&GR) to the Chief Minister of Odisha on 29.05.2015.
The link shall deliver about 4100 MCM at tail end 15 Km.
upstream of Dowlaiswaram barrage in Godavari.
• System simulation studies including water balance studies
of Mahanadi-Godavari link have been entrusted to NIH. The
study is likely to be completed by February, 2016.
• In the meantime, Hon‟ble Minister (WR,RD&GR) had a
meeting with Hon‟ble Chief Minister of Odisha on 3-2-2016
regarding the project. A positive response is expected from
the State Govt.
• Based on the response of the State Govt., NWDA would take
up preparation of Feasibility Report during 2016-17 to
establish techno – economic feasibility followed by DPR of
the proposal.
National Water Development Agency
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National Water Development Agency
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Manas – Sankosh – Teesta – Ganga (M-S-T-G)
Link Project
• A critical and mother link.
• M-S-T-G link envisages diversion of 43 BCM surplus
water available in Manas and Sankosh rivers with
supplementation from intermediate streams viz;
Aie, Torsa, Raidak, Jaldhaka for augmenting the flow
of Ganga at Farakka.
• Pre-feasibility Report (PFR) of MSTG link was
completed in 1996.
• As per PFR, about 13965 MCM of water will be
available after enroute utilization, in Mahanadi basin
for further diversion to south for water short
Krishna, Pennar, Cauvery, Vaigai and Gundar basins.
National Water Development Agency
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Manas – Sankosh – Teesta – Ganga (M-S-T-G)
Link Project (Contd.)
• Feasibility Report (FR) as per original alignment could not
be completed as Manas-Sankosh-Teesta link was passing
through Manas Tiger Reserve, Buxa Tiger Reserve and other
forests.
• Considering practical difficulties for surveys and
investigation in these reaches, NWDA has carried out
alternate alignment studies avoiding various reserved
forests with about 80 m lift.
• Feasibility Report of the Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga link
is under preparation and scheduled to be completed by
March, 2016.
• Hon‟ble Minster (WR,RD&GR) has requested Hon‟ble Chief
Minister, West Bengal to support the Project Proposal vide
letter dated 31-12-2015.
• The DPR will be taken up in 2016-17 after getting formal
approval from Government of West Bengal and other
concerned States for the proposal.
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National Water Development Agency
National Water Development Agency
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Constitution of Special Committee on
“Interlinking of Rivers”
• The Hon‟ble Supreme Court delivered a judgment on
27-2-2012 regarding Interlinking of Rivers and
directed Govt. of India to constitute a Committee under
the chairmanship of Hon‟ble Minister of Water
Resources.
• Union Cabinet has approved the constitution of the
“Special Committee on the Inter-linking of Rivers” on
24.07.2014.
• The Special Committee has been constituted by the
Ministry of WR,RD&GR vide Gazette Notification dated
23.09.2014 and eight meetings held so far.
• Four (4) Sub-Committees constituted which are meeting
regularly for their assigned task.
National Water Development Agency
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Constitution of Task Force for ILR
• Union Cabinet while approving constitution of Special
Committee for ILR (SCILR) in its meeting held on 24th
July, 2014 directed that a committee comprising of
experts be constituted to look into the issues relating
to interlinking of rivers.
• In compliance to direction of Union Cabinet, MoWR,
RD & GR vide O.M. dated 13th April, 2015 has
constituted a Task Force for Interlinking of Rivers (TFILR) headed by Chief Advisor, MoWR, RD & GR.
• The Task Force will assist the Special Committee for
ILR and MoWR, RD & GR regarding the
implementation of ILR programme.
• Two meetings of TFILR held so far.
National Water Development Agency
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Some Important Issues and
Challenges
National Water Development Agency, MoWR
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Lack of Consensus amongst concerned States
• Most important challenge in the implementation of ILR.
• The States surplus in water resources do not agree to
such surpluses
• It is difficult to have agreement between donor and
donee states as the latter in general demand more water.
• The States are apprehensive about disturbing the
existing allocation of water as per awards.
• Some States have apprehension that link proposals may
have an adverse effect on their existing irrigation and
power requirements.
• Some States are challenging the very definition of
„Surplus Basin‟ agreed earlier.
• Efforts are being made continuously for obtaining
consensus amongst the concerned States.
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National Water Development Agency
Need for Enabling Legal Provisions
• Achieving consensus of concerned States for an ILR
project is a big challenge.
• Many reasons for disagreement.
• Consensus only through persuasions and mutual
agreements.
• Presently no legal provision through which Govt. of
India can intervene in this regard.
• Most of the river basins being interstate, an appropriate
legislation under Entry 56 of the constitution is an
option.
• Need for detailed deliberation in the matter.
• In view of the Hon‟bel Supreme Court judgment
declaring ILR in National interest and directing its
implementation, can Apex court be approached for
some legal intervention in achieving the desired
consensus?
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National Water Development Agency
Environmental Concerns about ILR
Projects
• Certain concerns have been expressed
regarding the environmental aspects of ILR
Projects
• Much criticism of ILR Projects is based on
fears, apprehensions and pre conceived
notions
• Very little criticism is based on scientific
study or Report.
• ILR projects are like other water resources
projects.
National Water Development Agency
Environmental Concerns about ILR
Projects (contd)
• Thus, environmental concerns of ILR similar to
them.
• Comprehensive
Environmental
Impact
Assessment (EIA) study and Socio-economic
studies done at Feasibility Report and DPR stage.
• Environmental Management Plan (EMP) based
on EIA study is implemented as a part of DPR.
• However, all environmental issues and concerns
need to be addressed in a comprehensive and
judicious manner.
National Water Development Agency
Rehabilitation & Resettlement
• ILR projects generally require construction of
dam (reservoir) and link canals.
• Dam/Reservoir
involve
substantial
submergence.
• Canals also require land acquisition.
• Thus Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) is an
important issue.
• To go beyond, New Land Acquisition and R&R
Act of 2013.
• Need to devise innovative and Attractive R&R
package/policy for PAPs so that people
themselves come forward and support the
project.
32
Economic Impact of ILR Programme
• National Council of Economic Applied
Research(NCAER) carried out a Study of
economic impact of ILR programme, based
on then TF-ILR(2004) recommendations
• NCAER Report of 2008 concludes that ILR
programme will :
 Increase food grain production growth by
additional 2% point over the base line
 Increase in employment by about 4%
 Cause major impact on employment and growth
of cement and steel sector
National Water Development Agency
Economic Impact of ILR Programme (Contd.)
 Rs. 10,000 crore investment in construction
sector will result in its growth by 3.8%
 Cost of not doing ILR would be slow growth of
agriculture and in the form of Govt. expenditure
on account of flood relief and drought mitigation
 Reduced poverty in rural areas would also
reduce migration of rural poor to urban
areas, thus mitigating urban problems.
National Water Development Agency
Funding of ILR Projects
• ILR Projects require large financial investments.
• With more devolutions of funds by Centre to
State Govts., Govt. of India funds are limited.
• Available Options :

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
Govt. budgetary support
Private Sector Participation
Public Funding/Participation
Funding from Banks and Financial Institutions
Cess and Duties
• Need to formulate an innovative and
appropriate financing mechanism for ILR
projects.
National Water Development Agency
Water and Food Security
• Large Storage Projects critical for
 Water Security
 Food Security
 Energy Security
 National Security
• Per Capita Storage in Water Resources
Projects in India is very low
• Storage needs to be increased hugely
• ILR Projects potentially fill the gap
National Water Development Agency, MoWR
36
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National Water Development Agency, MoWR
200
746
2486
3255
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
4729
6150
Per Capita Storage (cubic metre)
Per Capita Storage – a comparison
ia
d
In
37
International Aspects
• Main headworks (Dam/barrage) of 6
main Himalayan link projects fall in
Nepal (5) and Bhutan (2)
• Cooperation and Agreement with Nepal
and Bhutan essential for Himalayan
Component
National Water Development Agency
International Aspects (Contd)
• India and Nepal / Bhutan would share benefits of
 Hydropower, Irrigation and Flood Control
• Win-win situation for all three i.e., India, Nepal
and Bhutan.
• Scope
of
accommodating
Bangladesh‟s
requirements on Teesta.
• DPRs of Pancheshwar Project – Nepal (Sarda –
Yamuna Link) and Sankosh Project – Bhutan (part
of Manas – Sankosh – Teesta – Ganga Link) are in
advance stages.
• Still a greater need of Hydro diplomacy with our
two neighbours.
National Water Development Agency
Success stories of some important Indian
IBWT Projects
Name of Scheme
Periyar - Vaigai Link
(1897)
Kurnool - Cudappa Canal
[Tungabhadra (Krishna) – Pennar] (1882)
Telugu Ganga Canal [Krishna – Pennar] (1983 onwards)
Parambikulam - Aliyar Project
(1967)
Ghagra – Sarda (1974)
Madhopur – Beas link [Ravi - Beas] (1969)
Beas – Sutlej link (1963)
Indira Gandhi Canal Project (1960 onwards)
[Beas, Sutlej rivers water to Thar desert of Rajasthan]
Sardar Sarovar Scheme (1980 onwards)
[Narmada to Sabarmati and to Thar desert of Rajasthan]
Tehri Dam Project [Ganga to Yamuna]
(2005)
National Water Development Agency, MoWR
Water transfer
(BCM/ year)
1.29
2.68
0.34
1.49
15.16
4.50
4.71
9.36
11.60
0.44
40
International Experiences of Inter Basin
Water Transfer
Name of Scheme
Truckee canal (USA)
Name of Rivers
Type of benefits
1906
Irrigation
All American canal (USA)
Colorado, Imperial Valley
California State Water project Feather, San Francisco Bay
(USA)
area
1940
Central Arizona Project (USA) Colorado, Tucson region
1985
Yellow river to Qingdao city Yellow, Qingdao city
(China)
1989
Luan River to Tianjing city Luan, Tianjing city
(China)
1983
Tone
Transfer
(Japan)
1965
Irrigation
Irrigation,
Domestic
&
Industrial Water Supply,
Hydropower
Domestic & Industrial Water
Supply
Irrigation,
Domestic
&
Industrial Water Supply,
Hydropower
Hydropower, Domestic &
Industrial Water Supply
Irrigation,
Domestic
&
Industrial Water Supply
Domestic & Industrial Water
Supply
Irrigation, Hydropower
Tagus-Segura(Spain)
Snowy Mountain
(Australia)
Truckee, Pyramid lake
Year of
completion
Scheme Tone, Ara
Tagus, Segura
Scheme Eucumbene, Murray
1973
1979
1974
41
National Water Development Agency, MoWR
Concluding Remarks
• Inter basin water transfers not a new concept.
• Large benefits of irrigation, water supply and
hydropower in ILR programme.
• Building of consensus among concerned States
is the most important challenge.
• Need for enabling legal provisions.
• Environmental and R&R concerns to be
addressed appropriately.
• Large financial resources required. Innovative
Funding mechanism to be evolved.
• Achieving water and food security through ILR
for sustainable development.
42
National Water Development Agency
43
Sardar Sarovar Project
National Water Development Agency
44
Dowlaisawaram Barrage
(existing) for
Mahanadi (Manibhadra) –
Godavari (Dowlaiswaram)
link project
Nagarjunasagar dam
(existing) for
Godavari (Inchampalli) –
Krishna (Nagarjunasagar)
link project
45
Srisailam dam
(existing) for
Krishna (Srisailam) –
Pennar link project
Almatti dam
(existing) for
Krishna (Almatti) – Pennar
link project
46
Pancheshwar Dam
47
National Water Development Agency, MoWR
48