Groundnut seller's proposal to link Ganga, Cauvery breaks ground with Centre
DH News Service, Mysuru, Sep 10 2017, 22:48 IST
'15 states to benefit as project will irrigate 69.59 crore acres of lands'
The National Water Development Agency (NWDA), working under the Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, is considering a request put forth by a groundnut seller for the Ganga-Cauvery linking project to eradicate famine and poverty in India.
Mukadahally Venkatesh, who sells fried and salted groundnuts on trains between Mysuru and Bengaluru, conducted a study on the benefits of linking the Ganga and Cauvery rivers and sent his suggestions to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Venkatesh received a communication from the PMO and NWDA that his suggestions are being considered.
Venkatesh said that he studied the project and listed out various benefits of linking the rivers. According to him, 107 tributaries join 15 rivers and the total water flow is estimated at 57,775 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft). But at present, only a small portion of it is being utilised while the rest is reaching the sea. With the linking of Ganga-Cauvery rivers, 15 states will benefit and the project can irrigate 69.59 crore acres of lands. At present only 47.20 crore acres are being irrigated.
The project would be the most effective way to increase the irrigation potential for increasing foodgrain production, mitigate floods and drought, he said. Listing out other benefits, he said, annually 68,000 mega watt of electricity can be generated and crores of rupees spent on famine management can be saved.
Akhila Bharat Gorakshana Samiti chairman S K Mittal, who was present at the press conference, said that the project has numerous benefits for the country and farmers.
"The Union government has taken up river linking project in North India, but has neglected South India. The government should consider South India to link the rivers. The Ganga-Cauvery project can be completed in five years as only a 1,064 kilometre long channel is needed between the two rivers. It is high time, the government implements the project because Karnataka is reeling under severe drought and floods," he said.
DH News Service