What is National River Linking Project (NRLP)?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
The NRLP aims to transfer water from surplus river basins to deficit river basins through a network of canals and reservoirs.
- 2.
The project is divided into two main components: the Himalayan Rivers Component and the Peninsular Rivers Component.
- 3.
The Himalayan component involves linking rivers such as the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries.
- 4.
The Peninsular component focuses on linking rivers in southern and western India, like the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery.
- 5.
The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) is responsible for conducting surveys, investigations, and preparing project reports.
- 6.
The project aims to increase irrigation potential by 35 million hectares, generate 34,000 MW of hydropower, and provide drinking water.
- 7.
The Ken-Betwa link project is the first inter-state river linking project under the NRLP.
- 8.
Environmental impact assessments and resettlement and rehabilitation plans are crucial components of each project.
- 9.
The project requires significant financial investment, estimated to be over ₹5.6 lakh crore.
- 10.
Interstate agreements are necessary for sharing water resources and resolving potential conflicts.
- 11.
Public consultations and stakeholder engagement are important for addressing concerns and ensuring project sustainability.
- 12.
The project aims to reduce regional disparities in water availability and improve agricultural productivity.
Visual Insights
NRLP: Himalayan vs Peninsular Component
Comparison table highlighting the key differences between the Himalayan and Peninsular components of the National River Linking Project.
| Feature | Himalayan Component | Peninsular Component |
|---|---|---|
| Rivers Involved | Ganga, Brahmaputra, tributaries | Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery |
| Water Source | Snowmelt and rainfall | Rainfall |
| Geographical Area | Northern India | Southern and Western India |
| Objective | Flood control and irrigation | Drought mitigation and irrigation |
Recent Developments
10 developmentsIn 2022, the Union Cabinet approved the funding for the Ken-Betwa river linking project.
The project is facing protests from local communities concerned about displacement and environmental impact.
The government is promoting the project as a solution to water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region.
Environmental activists are raising concerns about the project's impact on biodiversity and river ecosystems.
Discussions are ongoing regarding the sharing of water between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
The NWDA is preparing detailed project reports for other river linking projects.
The government is exploring innovative financing mechanisms for the NRLP.
The project is being monitored by a high-level committee.
Technological advancements are being incorporated to improve the efficiency of water transfer.
The impact of climate change on river flows is being considered in project planning.
This Concept in News
1 topicsFrequently Asked Questions
61. What is the National River Linking Project (NRLP) and what are its main objectives?
The National River Linking Project (NRLP) is a large-scale civil engineering project in India that aims to transfer water from 'surplus' rivers to 'deficit' rivers through a network of canals and reservoirs. The main objectives are to reduce droughts and floods, increase irrigation potential, and generate hydroelectric power.
Exam Tip
Remember the key objectives: drought mitigation, flood control, irrigation, and power generation.
2. What are the two main components of the National River Linking Project (NRLP)?
The NRLP is divided into two main components: * Himalayan Rivers Component: This involves linking rivers in the Himalayan region, such as the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries. * Peninsular Rivers Component: This focuses on linking rivers in southern and western India, like the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery.
Exam Tip
Differentiate between the Himalayan and Peninsular components and the rivers involved in each.
3. How does the National River Linking Project (NRLP) work in practice?
The NRLP aims to create a network of canals, dams, and reservoirs to transfer water from surplus river basins to deficit river basins. This involves: * Identifying rivers with surplus water. * Constructing canals and reservoirs to store and divert water. * Linking these canals to rivers in water-scarce regions. * Managing the water flow to ensure equitable distribution.
Exam Tip
Understand the practical aspects of water transfer: identification, construction, linking, and management.
4. What are the potential challenges in the implementation of the National River Linking Project (NRLP)?
The implementation of the NRLP faces several challenges: * Environmental Impact: Concerns about deforestation, displacement of people, and disruption of ecosystems. * Inter-State Disputes: Disagreements between states regarding water sharing. * Financial Costs: The project requires significant investment. * Local Protests: Opposition from local communities due to displacement and loss of livelihoods.
Exam Tip
Consider the environmental, social, and economic challenges associated with the project.
5. What is the role of the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) in the National River Linking Project (NRLP)?
The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) plays a crucial role in the NRLP. As per the concept, it is responsible for: * Conducting surveys and investigations. * Preparing feasibility reports for the interlinking projects. * Developing project reports.
Exam Tip
Remember that NWDA is the primary agency responsible for the technical aspects of the NRLP.
6. What is your opinion on the Ken-Betwa river linking project, and what are the potential benefits and drawbacks?
The Ken-Betwa river linking project, approved in 2022, aims to address water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region. Potential benefits include increased irrigation, improved water availability, and economic development. However, drawbacks include displacement of local communities, environmental damage, and potential disruption of river ecosystems. A balanced approach is needed to ensure sustainable development while minimizing negative impacts.
Exam Tip
Consider both the potential benefits and drawbacks of the project and the need for a balanced approach.
Source Topic
Ken-Betwa River Linking Project Protest Turns Violent in M.P.
Environment & EcologyUPSC Relevance
The National River Linking Project (NRLP) is important for the UPSC exam, especially for GS Paper 1 (Geography), GS Paper 3 (Environment, Infrastructure), and Essay. Questions can be asked about the project's objectives, components, environmental impact, and socio-economic implications. It's frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains.
In Prelims, factual questions about NWDA, Ken-Betwa link, and the number of projects are common. In Mains, analytical questions about the feasibility, sustainability, and challenges of the project are often asked. Recent years have seen questions on water management and inter-state river disputes.
When answering, focus on both the benefits and the drawbacks of the project. Provide a balanced perspective and support your arguments with facts and data.