Author(s): Jitesh N. Vyas; Supriya Nath; R. B. Deogade

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: environmental flow; gradient; hydrological projects; interlinking of rivers; social implications; water quality

Abstract: Rivers are the lifeline for every country as they provide water for proliferation, sustenance and propagation of life since time immemorial. With increasing population pressure, water demand increased for drinking, irrigation, and industrial consumption. This water deficit required utilization of available water resources in the best possible manner through various hydrological projects like construction of dams, weirs, barrage, etc. There is a disparity in water availability between north and south India as most of the perennial rivers are situated in the north while seasonal rivers in south India. To resolve this disproportionate distribution and to maintain the balance of water between flood and drought-prone rivers, interlinking of rivers is proposed. This proposal has garnered a lot of attention from scientists and environmentalists around the world. These human interventions affect the ecological flow of rivers. There are various risks associated with these projects which require prior assessment. In this study, risks and environmental hazards associated with river projects in India have been discussed with a special focus on the ongoing river projects like the interlinking of rivers. Various factors which determine the feasibility of the proposed projects were studied. There are many risks associated with the change in gradient and environmental flow of rivers with the construction of such projects. We have reviewed risks on humans, like displacement of population and impact on their livelihood as reported for various projects. There are various social implications of such projects which need to be assessed and their mitigation measures need to be undertaken.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26077/c41f-39ff

Year: 2022