The Gujarat government officially reaffirms the suspension of the much-debated Par-Tapi-Narmada river linking project, a move that brings immediate relief to thousands of tribal residents and environmental groups. This critical decision solidifies the state’s earlier halt on the controversial scheme, which has faced intense opposition over fears of displacement, loss of livelihoods. significant ecological damage across the region. The project, intended to divert water to drier areas, triggered widespread protests, forcing the government to reconsider its plans. This renewed commitment to keeping the project on hold marks a significant victory for community activism and environmental protection.
Government Reconfirms Project Halt
The state government of Gujarat has once again confirmed its decision to keep a major river linking project on hold. The Par-Tapi-Narmada river linking project, which aimed to move water across different parts of the state, will not move forward. This decision was restated by state government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel on Wednesday. He told reporters that the state cabinet has reaffirmed its choice, which was first made in 2022.
Mr. Patel stressed that neither the Gujarat government nor the central government has done anything to restart the project since its initial suspension. He also mentioned that Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil clearly stated on August 10 that both the central and state governments do not plan to continue with this project.
Understanding the River Linking Idea
The idea for the Par-Tapi-Narmada river linking project came from the 1980 National Perspective Plan. This plan, put together by the former Union Ministry of Irrigation and the Central Water Commission, aimed to move extra river water from areas that have a lot of it to areas that need it.
The main goal of this project was to take water from the Par and Tapi rivers in the Western Ghats region, which often has extra water. send it to the dry areas of Saurashtra and Kutch in Gujarat. These regions often face water shortages. The project also aimed to help prevent floods and generate electricity.
To do this, the plan included building several structures:
- Seven dams (Jheri, Mohankavchali, Paikhed, Chasmandva, Chikkar, Dabdar. Kelwan).
- Three diversion weirs.
- Two tunnels (one 5. 0 kilometers long and another 0. 5 kilometers long).
- A 395-kilometer-long canal, which included smaller feeder canals.
- Six powerhouses for making electricity.
The Jheri dam was planned in Nashik, Maharashtra, while the other dams were to be built in Valsad and Dang districts of South Gujarat.
Project’s Path Through Years
The idea for this project has been around for a long time. The first attempt to start the project was made in 1980. Then, in 2010, a three-party agreement was signed involving the central government, Gujarat. Maharashtra. A detailed report for the project was prepared by the National Water Development Agency in 2015 and again in 2017.
The project came into public discussion again in 2022 when Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned river linking projects in her budget speech. She said that the Par-Tapi-Narmada project would be an crucial development for Gujarat. This mention led to new concerns and protests in the state.
Local People’s Concerns and Protests
The project faced strong objections, mainly from the tribal communities living in the areas where the dams and canals were planned. These communities feared that the project would force them to leave their homes and farmlands, leading to a loss of their way of life.
Reports showed that about 6,065 hectares of land would be covered by water due to the planned reservoirs. This would affect 61 villages, with one village being completely covered by water and 60 others partly. Around 2,509 families would be impacted. Many of these affected families feared losing their land or houses, or both.
In response to the Finance Minister’s budget speech in 2022, tribal communities in districts like Valsad, Dangs. Navsari held large protests and rallies. They voiced their worries about displacement and the destruction of their livelihoods. They also raised concerns about the lack of open discussions and public hearings about the project.
Environmental groups also pointed out that such large-scale river linking projects could harm local ecosystems, including forests, wetlands. water bodies. There were also worries about the possible negative effects on marine life if less fresh water flowed into the sea.
Government’s Decision to Halt the Project
Following the widespread protests and concerns from tribal communities, the Gujarat government announced the suspension of the project in March 2022. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel officially stated in May 2022 that the project would be “scrapped” or cancelled. He said this decision was made “respecting the feelings of our tribal brothers and sisters.”
The decision came after several meetings involving high-level government officials, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Union Water Resources Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with Gujarat’s tribal ministers and elected representatives. During these discussions, it was made clear that the project needed the agreement of both Gujarat and Maharashtra, the two states involved, to move forward.
The state government stated that since there was widespread opposition from the local people, they asked the central government to suspend the project. This step was seen as a way to address the strong feelings of the affected communities and ensure their interests were considered.
Looking Ahead
The recent statement by the Gujarat government spokesperson, Rushikesh Patel, confirms that the suspension of the Par-Tapi-Narmada river linking project remains firm. This means that the concerns raised by the tribal communities and other groups have been heard and acted upon, at least for now. The government’s continued stance highlights its commitment to respecting the sentiments of the affected populations and ensuring that such large-scale projects do not proceed without local agreement.
