Seven states seek intra-state linking of 36 rivers

NEW DELHI - Despite the union government dithering over country-wide inter-linking of rivers, seven states have sought linking of altogether 36 rivers within their respective territories.

A release by the union water resources ministry Wednesday said the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has received 36 proposals from seven states for building intra-state links.

The states, seeking linking of the rivers within their respective territories, are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Orissa, Bihar, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.

While Maharashtra alone has given the union government 20 proposals for linking over two dozen of its various rivers, Gujarat has given one proposal for linking two rivers.

Similarly, Orissa has proposed three intra-state river-linking projects involving rivers Mahanadi, Brahmani, Rushikulya and Vamsadhara.

Similarly Jharkhand has proposed three projects to link its rivers South Koel, Subernarekha, Sankh, Barkar and Damodar.

Bihar too has approached the NWDA, proposing six projects to link its rivers Kosi with Mechi, Barh with Nawada, Kohra with Chandravat, Burhi Gandak with Baya and the Ganga and also Burhi Gandak with Bagmati besides Kosi with the Ganga.

While Rajasthan has proposed two projects to link its rivers, Tamil Nadu has proposed one project of river inter-linking.

The ministry has already completed the pre-feasibility studies in 12 projects and is examining the feasibilities of the other projects.