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Centre to adopt some rivers as “national assets”

Gargi Parsai

NEW DELHI: In an effort to increase irrigation potential and harness the hydro-power possibilities, the Central government plans to adopt some rivers as “national assets.”

The Centre will provide 90 per cent funding for projects on such rivers for their conservation and utilisation. At the same time, a proposal to impose a cess on (ground) water use by industry is also under consideration.

Announcing this at the Social Editor’s Conference here, Union Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz said river projects that had been unduly delayed or those that had an “international dimension” would be funded and developed by the Centre.

No nationalisation

He clarified that the Centre had no plans to nationalise rivers. “The waters will belong to the State. The Centre will only help conserve and develop projects on them. A proposal to this effect will be brought to the Union Cabinet.”

He said a scientific and technical criterion had been applied to select the projects.

“The Cabinet had considered the proposal in principle and formed a Group of Ministers under the Union Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar. The GoM has given its recommendations which will be placed before the Cabinet soon,” he said.

Yamuna cited

Giving the example of the Yamuna, Mr. Soz said for 30 years, the six States in the basin of the river had not exploited its potential.

“The Yamuna is nothing but a stagnant, stinking river. We will adopt it, conserve it and help the States harness its potential.” Some of the projects, the Minister said, would be Teesta, Yamuna and the Chenab in Jammu.

Cauvery problem

Asked if the Cauvery river was included in the project, Mr. Soz said for Cauvery, this was the last year of the dispute on sharing of its waters between the riparian States. “An award has been announced and an award by a tribunal is like a decision of the Supreme Court.”

Mullaperiyar issue

On the differences on the Mullaperiyar dam between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, he said he was in touch with both Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and his Kerala counterpart V.S. Achuthanandan.

“There are divergent views. I was able to make them meet without acrimony. They said they will talk to one another and get back. I have not lost hope and I am waiting to hear from them.”

Interlinking plan

He reiterated that the interlinking of rivers programme was not on the backburner. The government had identified five links and the first Ken-Betwa link could be a reality in the 11th Plan period.

On the subject of pricing water for industry, he said: “Let the industry make profit. They can pay for the price of water.”

The Minister said Punjab still had reservations on adopting the Ground Water Regulation and Conservation Bill. “I am in vigorous dialogue with Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal and have impressed upon him that the water will remain with Punjab. The State is India’s granary and very important for the country’s food security.”

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