by Atulit Raj 24 December 2023
India is on the verge of a catastrophic water crisis, threatening the very foundations of its agrarian sector, food security and economy. The rapid onslaught of urbanization, unchecked population growth, and woefully inadequate infrastructure have set the stage for a harrowing future. By 2050, a grave water risk looms ominously over 30 major cities, foreshadowing an impending catastrophe. Nationwide, devastating floods and droughts have evolved into reoccurring nightmares, threatening the stability of the land. The ever-changing climate worsens an already serious situation, disrupting the fragile equilibrium that once sustained the waterways. In a desperate attempt to combat this impending catastrophe, the River Interlinking Project has been proposed as a means of transferring water from water-rich basins to those suffering from water scarcity. Yet, this grand endeavour is fraught with grave challenges that span the realms of the environment, geology, hydrology and economics.
The delicate interdependence of plant and animal life is at a critical juncture, with the fundamental nature of existence poised for a potential shift. The economic viability of the project is shrouded in uncertainty due to the immense financial resources required. The burdens of operation, maintenance, and unforeseen social implications cast a dark shadow upon this grand vision. Prudence necessitates meticulous scrutiny to ensure that the derived benefits outweigh the incurred costs and the delicate balance of sustainable development is not compromised. The River Interlinking Project, also known as the National River Linking Project (NRLP), was conceived in August 1980 with lofty goals. Its design weaves an intricate tapestry, envisioning a vast ‘South Asian Water Grid’ that connects 37 main rivers from the Himalayas to the Peninsular regions. The scheme entails the construction of 30 river linkages and over 3,000 storage along a 15,000-kilometer-long network of canals. The endeavour envisions an annual transfer capacity of a staggering 174 trillion litres of water, coursing through this extensive aquatic web, breathing life into parched lands. It promises additional irrigation, extending its nurturing capacity to 35 million hectares of arable land. This water source will meet the needs of homes and industries while generating 34 GW of hydroelectric power to support the energy-starved nation. Flood damage in Eastern India will be mitigated as a result of this project; opportunities will open up, bringing improved internal navigation, thriving fisheries, replenished groundwater, and a vibrant return of life to nature-deprived rivers.
However, the NRLP is a complex undertaking with both potential benefits and drawbacks. While it aims to address India’s water crisis, it has raised concerns regarding its potential ecological and social impact. One of the primary concerns expressed by experts is the potential alteration of rainfall patterns and disruption of river ecosystems. They are intricate networks that have evolved over millions of years, and any drastic changes brought about by the project could have far-reaching consequences. Climate change expert V. Rajamani argues that the project may understate the effects of climate change. A study conducted by IIT-M and IIT-B analysing weather data spanning over a century suggests that there may be insufficient water to interlink rivers across India. The study highlights a decrease in water supply in the surplus basin, raising doubts about the project’s feasibility. This challenges the notion of “surpluses” and “deficits” in terms of water resources. Furthermore, the construction of storage dams for the project entails extensive submergence of land, potentially affecting national parks and sanctuaries. For instance, the construction of the Ken-Betwa link could impact the Panna National Park, leading to concerns about biodiversity loss and habitat destruction.
Another significant issue is the displacement of communities due to land acquisition. The project requires a purchase of large tracts of land, often inhabited by local communities. Displacement can result in notable social and economic disruptions. Moreover, the rehabilitation and resettlement endeavours for displaced communities frequently encounter obstacles, leading to potential inadequacies in meeting their needs satisfactorily. Additionally, the project may result in the submergence of forest lands, leading to social unrest and cultural alienation, particularly among indigenous tribal communities. It is crucial to consider the impact on these communities and ensure their participation and consent in decision-making processes. The NRLP also raises concerns regarding its potential impact on neighbouring countries, such as Bangladesh. As per the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty, water will not be diverted away from the Ganga above the barrage at Farakka; therefore, the project could result in India breaking the formal promise, as tributaries of Ganga will be utilized, and consequently, India will be required to negotiate a separate water augmentation agreement with Bangladesh.
It is important to engage in dialogue and cooperation with neighbouring nations to address their concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions. Despite these concerns, the NRLP has received support from a number of sources. Proponents argue that the project is necessary to address the escalating water crisis in India, where water scarcity poses significant challenges for agriculture, industry, and human consumption. However, it is crucial to approach the project with caution and consider alternative solutions. Sustainable and cost-effective measures such as rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and water conservation should be explored alongside large-scale infrastructure projects. A comprehensive assessment of the ecological, social, and economic impacts of the NRLP should be undertaken, ensuring transparency, public participation, and the incorporation of expert opinions.
India finds itself at a critical juncture, navigating intricate water-sharing negotiations with neighbouring countries. The disputes with Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, and Nepal over the Indus, Teesta, Brahmaputra, and Mahakali rivers respectively are emblematic of the intricacies involved in equitable resource allocation. The Tibetan Plateau and the Hindu Kush-Himalayan regions, often referred to as the “Asian water tower” act as the lifeline for ten major Asian rivers, supplying freshwater to downstream areas. With nearly a quarter of the world’s population depending on these resources, the significance of the region cannot be overstated. Water issues have also permeated electoral politics, exposing the vulnerability of this resource to exploitation. Examples include the removal of over 100 dams in the United States and the revival of rivers such as Colorado through multi-billion-dollar initiatives in California. Nevertheless, failures such as the Ganga Action Plan in India and the environmental catastrophe of the Aral Sea remind us of the potential consequences when large-scale water management projects are inadequately executed.
Transboundary water management has become a source of tension in several regions. For instance, when Namibia proposed a water pipeline passing through the Caprivi Strip to supply its capital, it sparked a dispute with downstream Botswana, , giving rise to worries about the preservation of the Okavango Delta’s ecological integrity. Similarly, conflicts have arisen in the Amu Darya basin between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, with downstream anxieties over irrigation and hydropower needs. The United Nations Watercourses Convention emphasizes equitable and reasonable utilization, cooperation, and the protection of ecosystems. However, applying these principles requires careful consideration, as well as the availability of alternatives. Striking a balance between these diverse interests is a formidable task that requires a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of water resources. Water disputes have far-reaching implications, including altered freshwater flows, sediment fluxes and environmental degradation. Such changes can threaten human security and have cascading effects throughout regions. Environmental degradation disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, especially women, who bear a heavier burden with limited access to medical care and resources compared to men.
Furthermore, the replication of Western models of river development without contextual analysis can exacerbate inequalities and have adverse health consequences, as exemplified by the contamination of drinking water sources and the drying up of crucial tributaries. The relationship between water and conflict is multifaceted and context-dependent. The Water Conflict Chronology showcases the historical complexity of water-related disputes, ranging from localized conflicts to full-scale wars. Regions like India’s Northern Plains, once renowned for their fertile farmland, now face clashes over water scarcity due to population growth and unsustainable irrigation practices. The Middle East experiences tensions as upstream dam projects in Turkey impact downstream countries. Similarly, the conflicts between India, Pakistan and China over vital rivers highlight the intricate geopolitical dynamics associated with transboundary water resources. Addressing water conflicts necessitates effective water management strategies and international cooperation. It is essential to balance the needs of riparian states, ensure equitable resource allocation and preserve ecosystem health. Managing shared water resources requires taking into account the interdependence of water resources, environmental sustainability, and social justice in order to offer a more nuanced and sustainable solution.
The Ganga Action Plan, which was implemented to clean up the Ganga River, did not yield the expected results. This failure raises concerns about the potential consequences, as pollution from the Ganga River could seep into other rivers and disrupt their natural cleansing processes. This poses a significant risk of crop failure and contamination of other waterways. If a substantial amount of water is diverted from the upstream Brahmaputra River in India, it could have adverse effects on the downstream Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh. This could disrupt the flow of water and negatively impact the ecosystem, particularly during the lean season. Bangladesh’s environmental disaster potential is of the utmost concern due to the increased likelihood of saltwater intrusion caused by the depletion of water in the downstream Brahmaputra. Such an event could have severe implications for the lives and livelihoods of people in the affected region. A similar project at the Aral Sea led to the sea’s near extinction, serving as a cautionary example. However, it is worth noting that the United States has acknowledged the negative impact of large dams and has taken steps to decommission them in order to restore natural river flows. This recognition and action represent a positive development in terms of environmental conservation.
In conclusion, the interlinking of rivers is a complex and contentious issue with profound ecological, social, and economic implications. While the NRLP offers a potential solution to India’s water crisis, it must be thoroughly evaluated in terms of its impact on river ecosystems, local communities, and neighbouring countries. Transparency and public consultation should play a crucial role in the decision-making process, and a comprehensive assessment of the project’s costs and benefits is necessary. It is essential to recognize the evolving nature of the environment and prioritize sustainable and equitable solutions for India’s water crisis.