GS1GS1

Describe the National River Interlinking Project and its benefits.

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Answer Strengths Gaps Keywords

Introduction

The National River Interlinking project encompasses 30 projects with 16 Himalayan and 14 peninsular linkages.

15 words

Main Body

Offers Several Benefits:

1Surplus-deficit management in a watershed - e.g. Potiksera (L+T) irrigation model

2Drought prone areas could get perennial supply of water - e.g. Dandelkhand and the Ken-Betwa project

3Better irrigation opportunities - e.g. Polavaram project near Visighra

4Flood control and water diversion - e.g. Ravi-Bhaghira linking

5Can provide for inland waterway sustainability - eg: Godavari Krishna project

Challenges and Concerns:

1Socio-economic:

(a) Could lead to displacement of people from areas - eg: Polavaram - 44000 families

(b) Could promote increased exploitation of water - eg: 38.7 water-we efficiency in India (UWC)

2Environmental:

(a) Could lead to increased chances of power course changes and floods - eg: Brahmaputra braided channel

(b) Submergence of forest areas - eg: Panna National Park due to Ken-Betwa project - Jaldhar devi

Way forward:

1Establish a grievance redressal mechanism for Environment Impact Assessment

2International Best practices - eg: Australia's Murray - Darling irrigation project

3Social audits and engagement with civil society

188 words13 paragraphs

Conclusion

The interlinking project have a potential to increase irrigation and drinking water sufficiency as well as increased hydropower potential by 24,000 MW.

22 words

Clear enumeration of benefits
Specific project examples provided

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Page 34

Topper

Aditya Talwar

AIR 270

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Resource Distribution & Industries

Water

National River Interlinking Project

Writing Stats

225

Total words

Paragraphs

formal, descriptive

Tone