Question 37 from UPSC CSE 2016 - Current
Affairs

Question

Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Godavari and Krishna

Strategy: Identify the specific, recently undertaken river linking project by recalling prominent infrastructure developments. The focus is on the Godavari-Krishna linking, operationalized via the Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme, as it is a well-documented, recent project, distinguishing it from other theoretical or less advanced river interlinking proposals.

Key Info: **Godavari-Krishna River Linking (Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme)**
- **Context:** The linking of Godavari and Krishna rivers was primarily undertaken in Andhra Pradesh to address water deficits in the Krishna river delta and Rayalaseema regions.
- **Pattiseema Lift Irrigation Scheme:** This project, operationalized in September 2015, facilitates the diversion of surplus Godavari water from Pattiseema (West Godavari district) to the Krishna river at Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada.
- **Significance:** It is notable as the first river interlinking project in India completed and made operational using a pipeline system. It acts as an interim measure to supply water to the Krishna delta until the much larger Polavaram Multipurpose Project on the Godavari river is completed.
- **Objective:** To optimally utilize the Godavari's water potential, especially during monsoon floods, and transfer it to drought-prone areas and existing irrigation systems dependent on the Krishna river.

**National River Linking Project (NRLP)**
- **Vision:** A major initiative to interlink Indian rivers by transferring water from water-surplus basins to water-deficit basins across the country.
- **Components:** Divided into two main components: the Himalayan Rivers Development Component and the Peninsular Rivers Development Component.
- **Status:** While many links are proposed, only a few have seen significant progress. The Ken-Betwa Link Project is the first project under NRLP to be officially cleared for implementation. Other projects like Par-Tapi-Narmada are under consideration or have faced local opposition.
- **Implementing Agency:** The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti is responsible for conducting feasibility studies and preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for various river links.

**Other River Linkages (General Information)**
- While concepts of linking Cauvery and Tungabhadra, Mahanadi and Son, or Narmada and Tapti might exist in broad river basin management discussions, they do not represent a 'recently undertaken' large-scale interlinking project in the same operational sense as the Godavari-Krishna link.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Cauvery and Tungabhadra

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Mahanadi and Son

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Narmada and Tapti