1. Interlinking of Rivers Status, Issues and Challenges
S. Masood Husain
Member (WP&P), CWC
and
Director General, NWDA
National Water Development Agency

2. Proposed Inter Basin Water Transfer Links
National Water Development Agency, MoWR

3. National Water Development Agency, MoWR
Water Transfer Links
PENINSULAR COMPONENT
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)
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
National Water Development Agency, MoWR

4. National Water Development Agency, MoWR
Water Transfer Links
1. Manas –Sankosh - Tista - Ganga
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)
HIMALAYAN COMPONENT
National Water Development Agency, MoWR

5. Benefits of ILR Programme (As per NPP)
Additional Irrigation Potential : 35 Mha.
due to ILR Program
Hydro-Power Generation : 34,000 MW
Other Benefits :
Domestic & Industrial Water Supply
Mitigation of Droughts
Flood Management
Navigational Facilities
Employment Generation
Fisheries
Salinity Control
Pollution Control
Infrastructural Development
Socio – Economic Development
National Water Development Agency

6. Priority Links under NPP
Present Status of Priority links and Preparation of Detailed Project Reports under National Perspective Plan (NPP)
Link Project
States
Status of DPR
Ken – Betwa Phase I
MP & UP
DPR completed – April, 2010
Ken – Betwa Phase II
DPR completed – January,2014
Damanganga – Pinjal
Gujarat & Maharashtra
DPR completed – April, 2014
Par – Tapi – Narmada
DPR completed in August, 2015
Mahanadi – Godavari
Odisha &
A.P.
Alternative proposal presented to Hon’ble Odisha CM on
Hon’ble Minister (WR,RD&GR) had a meeting with Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha on regarding the project.
FR/DPR to be taken up after consent of Odisha.
Manas – Sankosh – Tista – Ganga
Assam,
West Bengal & Bihar
Feasibility Report under preparation. To be completed by April, 2016.
National Water Development Agency

7. Ken-Betwa Link Project – Phase I National Water Development Agency
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 ( price level)
77 m high, 2031 m long Daudhan Dam on Ken river in Chhatarpur district of M.P. 221 km long link canal
State Wildlife Board, MP has given its clearance to this project.
Environmental, wildlife and Forest clearances from MoEF&CC in advanced stage.
National Water Development Agency

8. Damanganga – Pinjal Link Project National Water Development Agency
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:
Tunnels connecting Bhugad reservoir Km
with Khargihill reservoir
Khargihill reservoir and Pinjal reservoir Km
Project Benefits
Domestic & industrial water supply to Mumbai city MCM
Hydropower MW
Total estimated cost - Rs Crore ( price level)
Benefit Cost Ratio
National Water Development Agency

9. Par-Tapi-Narmada Link Project National Water Development Agency
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) Km
Project Benefits
Annual Irrigation lakh ha.
Districts Benefited Valsad, Navsari, Dang, Surat,
Narmada, Bharuch, Vadodara
Hydropower MW
Total estimated cost - Rs Crore
( price level)
National Water Development Agency

10. Constitution of Special Committee on “Interlinking of Rivers”
The Hon’ble Supreme Court delivered a judgment on 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
The Special Committee has been constituted by the Ministry of WR,RD&GR vide Gazette Notification dated and eight meetings held so far.
Four (4) Sub-Committees constituted which are meeting regularly for their assigned task.
National Water Development Agency 10

11. Constitution of Task Force for ILR National Water Development Agency
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 (TF- ILR) 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

12. Some Important Issues and Challenges
National Water Development Agency, MoWR

13. 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.
National Water Development Agency

14. Need for Enabling Legal Provisions National Water Development Agency
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’ble 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?
National Water Development Agency

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. Economic Impact of ILR Programme National Water Development Agency
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

19. 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

20. Funding of ILR Projects National Water Development Agency
ILR Projects require large financial investments.
With more devolutions of funds by Centre to State Govts., Govt. of India funds are limited.
Available Options :
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

21. Water and Food Security National Water Development Agency, MoWR
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

22. Per Capita Storage – a comparison
National Water Development Agency, MoWR

23. International Aspects National Water Development Agency
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

24. International Aspects (Contd) National Water Development Agency
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

25. Name of Scheme Water transfer (BCM/ year)
Success stories of some important Indian IBWT Projects
Name of Scheme Water transfer (BCM/ year)
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

26. International Experiences of Inter Basin Water Transfer
Name of Scheme
Name of Rivers
Year of completion
Type of benefits
Truckee canal (USA)
Truckee, Pyramid lake
1906
Irrigation
All American canal (USA)
Colorado, Imperial Valley
1940
California State Water project (USA)
Feather, San Francisco Bay area
1973
Irrigation, Domestic & Industrial Water Supply, Hydropower
Central Arizona Project (USA)
Colorado, Tucson region
1985
Domestic & Industrial Water Supply
Yellow river to Qingdao city (China)
Yellow, Qingdao city
1989
Luan River to Tianjing city (China)
Luan, Tianjing city
1983
Hydropower, Domestic & Industrial Water Supply
Tone Transfer Scheme (Japan)
Tone, Ara
1965
Irrigation, Domestic & Industrial Water Supply
Tagus-Segura(Spain)
Tagus, Segura
1979
Snowy Mountain Scheme (Australia)
Eucumbene, Murray
1974
Irrigation, Hydropower
National Water Development Agency, MoWR

27. 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.

28. National Water Development Agency, MoWR
Thanks
National Water Development Agency, MoWR

29. Need for Inter Basin Water Transfers [IBWT]
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

30. 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

31. 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 links
National Water Development Agency, MoWR

32. 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 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 Also made aerial survey of Panchnad dam site.
National Water Development Agency

33. National Water Development Agency

34. 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.
National Water Development Agency

35. National Water Development Agency

36. 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 Par- Tapi-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

37. National Water Development Agency
Existing command of Miyagaon branch canal
Ukai
Sardar Sarovar
Link canal
Initially Proposed 7 dams
Proposed 6 dams X
National Water Development Agency

38. Mahanadi – Godavari Link Project National Water Development Agency
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 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

39. 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 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 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 to establish techno – economic feasibility followed by DPR of the proposal.
National Water Development Agency

40. National Water Development Agency40
National Water Development Agency

41. 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 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

42. 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
The DPR will be taken up in after getting formal approval from Government of West Bengal and other concerned States for the proposal.
National Water Development Agency

43. National Water Development Agency43
National Water Development Agency

44. National Water Development Agency

45. Sardar Sarovar Project National Water Development Agency

46. Nagarjunasagar dam (existing) for Godavari (Inchampalli) – Krishna (Nagarjunasagar)
link project
Dowlaisawaram Barrage (existing) for Mahanadi (Manibhadra) – Godavari (Dowlaiswaram) link project

47. Srisailam dam (existing) for Krishna (Srisailam) – Pennar link project
Almatti dam
(existing) for Krishna (Almatti) – Pennar link project
Srisailam dam (existing) for Krishna (Srisailam) – Pennar link project

48. Pancheshwar Dam