19-August-2024-Special-Article

KOSI-MECHI RIVER LINKING PROJECT

The Kosi-Mechi River Linking Project is a significant component of India’s ambitious National Perspective Plan (NPP) for interlinking rivers.

This initiative aims to address irrigation needs in Bihar by connecting the Kosi River with the Mechi River.

Despite its intended benefits, the project has faced considerable opposition from local communities due to concerns over its effectiveness in flood control.

Kosi-Mechi River Linking Project

• Objective: The primary goal of the Kosi-Mechi River Linking Project is to enhance irrigation capabilities in Bihar and nearby regions by linking the Kosi River with the Mechi River.
• Geographical Scope: This project involves connecting the Kosi River with the Mechi River, which is a tributary of the Mahananda River. It affects areas in Bihar and Nepal.
• Irrigation Potential: The project is designed to provide irrigation to approximately 4.74 lakh hectares, including 2.99 lakh hectares in Bihar. It also aims to supply 24 million cubic meters (MCM) of water for domestic and industrial uses.
• Water Flow Increase: Once completed, the project is expected to release an additional 5,247 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water from the Kosi barrage.
• Regulating Authority: The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) oversees the project, operating under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti (Water Resources).

Concerns and Criticisms:

• Limited Flood Control: The project is mainly focused on irrigation, with minimal emphasis on flood control. This is a significant issue for flood-prone regions where annual flooding causes severe damage.
• Negligible Water Flow Increase: The added water flow of 5,247 cusecs is minor compared to the Kosi barrage’s total capacity of 900,000 cusecs, raising doubts about its effectiveness in flood management.
• Local Impact: Locals argue that the minimal increase in water flow will not substantially reduce the frequent flooding that devastates homes and crops in the region.
• Ongoing Challenges: Flooding and land erosion continue to disrupt local livelihoods, with significant impacts on agriculture and infrastructure.

About the Kosi and Mechi Rivers

Kosi River:

• Nickname: Known as the “Sorrow of Bihar” due to its history of causing floods.
• Origin: The river originates in the Himalayas, at an elevation of over 7,000 meters, in the catchment area of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.
• Course: It flows through China, Nepal, and India, entering India near Hanuman Nagar and merging with the Ganga River in Bihar.
• Formation: The Kosi River is formed by the confluence of the Sun Kosi, Arun Kosi, and Tamur Kosi streams.
• Course Shifts: Known for its tendency to shift westward, the Kosi has moved 112 kilometers over the past two centuries, causing severe damage in Darbhanga, Saharsa, and Purnea districts.
• Tributaries: Important tributaries include the Trijunga, Bhutahi Balan, Kamla Balan, and Bagmati rivers.

Mechi River:

• Trans-boundary Nature: The Mechi River flows through Nepal and India and is a tributary of the Mahananda River.
• Source: It rises in the inner valley of the Himalayas in Nepal’s Mahabharat range and flows through Bihar before joining the Mahananda River in Kishanganj district.

National Perspective Plan (NPP) for Interlinking Rivers

The NPP was established in 1980 by the Ministry of Irrigation (now Ministry of Jal Shakti) to develop India’s water resources through inter-basin transfers.

• Components: The plan comprises two main components:

• Himalayan Rivers Development Component
• Peninsular Rivers Development Component

• Projects: It includes 30 identified link projects—16 in the Peninsular Component and 14 in the Himalayan Component.
• Key Projects: Notable projects under the Peninsular Component include the Mahanadi-Godavari Links and the Ken-Betwa Link. Key projects under the Himalayan Component include the Kosi-Ghaghra Link and the Kosi-Mechi Link.

Significance:

• Flood Management: Aims to manage flood risks in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin.
• Water Scarcity: Seeks to address water shortages in western and peninsular states, such as Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• Irrigation and Agriculture: Aims to improve irrigation, enhance agricultural productivity, and support food security.
• Infrastructure Development: Plans to develop inland waterways for freight movement, reduce groundwater depletion, and minimize freshwater loss to the sea.

Challenges:

• Feasibility Issues: Often lacks comprehensive studies on economic, social, and ecological impacts.
• Data Limitations: Incomplete data can cause uncertainties and unintended consequences.
• State Disputes: Water sharing agreements between states can be contentious, leading to conflicts.
• Environmental Impact: Large-scale water transfers can worsen flooding, disrupt ecosystems, and affect soil quality and crop yields.
• Financial Burden: High costs for construction, maintenance, and operation of infrastructure pose economic challenges.
• Climate Change: Potential impacts of altered rainfall patterns on water availability.

Way Forward

Flood Control Measures:

• Floodplain Zoning: Develop plans to restrict settlements and infrastructure in high-risk areas. Promote flood-resistant housing and agriculture.
• Embankment Strengthening: Invest in reinforcing embankments along the Kosi River to reduce flooding.

Equitable Benefit Distribution:

• Clear Mechanisms: Ensure that benefits are fairly distributed. Enhance flood control measures in vulnerable areas and improve irrigation in water-scarce regions.

Alternative Approaches:

• National Waterways Project (NWP): Consider the NWP as an alternative. It utilizes excess floodwaters more efficiently, reduces state disputes, and offers a cost-effective solution for irrigation and power generation.

MAINS QUESTION:

1. Discuss the potential benefits and challenges of the Kosi-Mechi River Linking Project within the broader context of India’s National Perspective Plan for interlinking rivers. (250 WORDS)