Inter-Basin Water Transfer (IBWT) for the Augmentation of Water Resources in India: A Review of Needs, Plans, Status and Prospects

摘要

River basins are natural hydrologic entities whose water resources can be harnessed to meet the requirements for agriculture, people and nature. This is often achieved by means of dams that enable water transfer to needy areas. If such water availability within a basin is inadequate, it is transferred from another surplus basin. Such intra and inter-basin water transfer (IBWT) has been carried out throughout the world over for centuries. In view of growing needs and inadequate in-basin availability, in 2002 the Government of India announced a massive plan for an IBWT programme involving 30 links between different river basins. This paper reviews the plan, indicates its evolution, advantages, potential, etc. while describing the reservations, misgivings and objections to the plan. It indicates some related developments, the present status of the proposals and provides answers to the latter. The paper also lists successful experiences in different continents, together with those in India, to highlight the soundness of the concept of IBWT.