Taming of Rivers and Channelizing of Canals Should Be the Priority of the State and Union Government

Former Prime Minister of India, Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had a visionary approach towards the taming of rivers through interlinking them. This initiative was aimed at mitigating the havoc caused during monsoons when rivers often flood, resulting in extensive damage to life, property, and agricultural fields. Similarly, canals have significantly contributed to the Green Revolution and increased crop yields. With the installation of micro-hydel projects on canals, electricity generation has become a continuous process. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several river projects are currently underway, furthering this vision.

India is steadily progressing towards becoming a developed country, with Union and State Governments focusing on increasing agricultural yields to meet the rising demand for food grains caused by population growth. The government, along with agricultural universities and scientists, is leaving no stone unturned to boost agricultural productivity. Today, India is becoming self-sufficient in food grains and other agricultural products, moving past the earlier dependence on imports.

Water, fertilizers, and pesticides are crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity. The Department of Irrigation is prioritizing river taming and canal system optimization. Additionally, deep tube wells in the foothills of mountains have ushered in a Green Revolution in areas previously dependent on rainfall. Timely rain once dictated agricultural output, but with these advancements, farmers now achieve consistent yields. Furthermore, the establishment of new fertilizer and pesticide factories has addressed shortages, supporting farmers in improving crop productivity.

The interlinking of rivers could be a boon for regions with minimal rainfall. During the monsoon season, this system would minimize the threat of floods by redirecting excess water to rivers or rivulets facing water scarcity. Non-irrigated lands could be transformed into fertile areas, leading to bumper crop yields in the future.

The ongoing project of transportation via river routes, such as the River Ganges, has proven successful. Union and State Governments should consider expanding river transportation networks to other states. This mode of transport could significantly reduce the cost of goods transportation in the future. Simultaneously, strict measures must be enforced to prevent industrial units from releasing waste effluents into rivers, as such pollution poses serious health risks to humans.

The administration should ensure the implementation of stringent regulations to curb the release of toxic effluents into sacred rivers by industrial units. Water treatment plants should be made mandatory to prevent river pollution, which, in turn, contaminates underground water tables. Polluted water is detrimental to human health and leads to waterborne diseases. Protecting our rivers is crucial for safeguarding both our environment and public health.

Authored by:
Rajat Kumar Mohindru
Journalist,
Jalandhar City

(Views are personal)