Linking rivers is not enough

Let us look at the problem more closely. In spite of rivers like the Ganga flowing through Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the eastern parts of both states have had to experience drought every now and then. Basically, areas deprived of perennial irrigation are always affected by drought.

Even if every possible effort is made on the part of the government and administration to augment water resources, it has been estimated that at the most only 50 per cent of the land in the country can be brought under perennial irrigation.

This means that 50 per cent of the land will always remain dependent on the rains.

Also, remember, if Vajpayee8217;s promise has to be fulfilled huge resources would be required and the ambitious project of linking the country8217;s rivers would take some 30 to 40 years to accomplish.

Do not forget, too, the heavy losses this could mean to the environment and the agony of communities that would be displaced in the process.

Therefore, while the nation mulls over this gigantic project, let us also remember some basic truths about the environment and water management. Water is required for the roots of trees and crops and not for the whole of the field. The existing system of providing unlimited water to fields has created serious problems like salinity and water logging in some areas.

Also, the use of unwarranted fertilisers and pesticides has considerably harmed the soil texture. Users of surface or underground water should now be under an obligation to use the sprinkler or drip irrigation system in their fields. Crops or industries consuming disproportionately excess water should be discouraged.

R038;D centres should be established to bring down the use of water in all sectors in cooperation with the existing national laboratories and agricultural universities. Also, people must realise that pumping out water from the fields without putting systems in place that will recharge the aquifers is just not on. It is akin to setting the water itself on fire.

After scientifically assessing the underground level of water, the number of borewells or wells in a watershed unit should be prescribed with necessary restrictions. The gram sabha of a village could be authorised to lay such restrictions through a holistic scientific approach. There can be no denying that the involvement of people is essential to solve the chronic issue of drought in the country.

The Central government has already set up a separate Land Resource Department to develop wastelands and other resources. This agency should now get down to the important task at hand in an urgent and time-bound manner.

Scientific micro-watershed and wastelands development is certainly the burning issue of the day. We need to approach this problem while paying due care to principles of social justice and environment management.

Because, even as we talk of linking our rivers, we need to apply our minds on how to evolve a holistic approach that could permanently meet the challenge of the unremitting cycle of disastrous droughts and devastating floods that has brought suffering to millions and impacted adversely on India8217;s economic profile.