Revitalization of Rivers in India Draft Policy - Isha Guru Jaggi Vasudev

Revitalization of Rivers In India
Draft Policy Recommendation
down the east coast of India and into the Arabian Sea, and the reversal
of flows in the post-monsoon period that controls the salt balance
levels in between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. This transfer of
fresh-water, sediments and nutrients from the land to the sea, and the
changes through the seasons, underpins the productivity of our marine
ecosystems and sustains marine fisheries. Furthermore the impact of
this phenomenon on climate and the monsoon is still largely unknown.
The idea of a “surplus” in many river basins overlooks the role that this
“surplus” plays in the productivity of our floodplains, estuaries, deltas
and coastal and marine fisheries.
ECOLOGICAL ARGUMENTS
Many river basins in India have distinct geology and biogeography.
In addition, they carry different pollution loads. Inter-basin transfer
could severely disrupt the ecology of both contributing and receiving
rivers, with potential loss of river fisheries, aquatic biodiversity and
proliferation of invasive and alien species.
The proposed river-links will pass through 1200 km of forests
and protected areas throughout the country and disrupt ecological
connectivity in many regions, apart from displacing people.
For example, Ken-Betwa, the first of the river links which is being
implemented, will result in the loss of two lakh trees in the forests of the
Ken basin, which is an irreparable ecological cost. The estimated cost of
the link is Rs. 17,700 crore at 2015-16 prices. The benefits of the link in
meeting the genuine needs of the water stressed parts of Bundelkhand, its
impact on the ecology of the Ken basin and the comparative advantages
of alternative water management strategies need to be carefully assessed
before going ahead.
“SURPLUS” BASINS AND DYING RIVERS
As we have seen earlier in this chapter, many of our rivers are dying.
Rivers that were perennial are becoming seasonal, and many rivers are no
longer reaching the sea for a large part of the year. This poses yet another
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