The Jharkhand Government has requested cooperation of the Odisha Government for inter- linking South Koel river with its Subarnarekha to secure water for its state, reported The Pioneer.
The Jharkhand Government wants to inter-link three rivers – Sankh, South Koel and Barakar. Besides, it has planned to link South Koel with Subarnarekha and Barakar with Subarnrekha as well. Barakar is the tributary of river Damodar a
nd will be linked with Subarnarakha river.
It has further been reported in The Pioneer that it will be difficult for the Odisha Government to agree with such a proposal. Here is what experts say:
- Subarnarekha covers 80 km in Baleswar district before meeting the sea at Talsari.
- But the river does not surplus water and its is smaller than most multi-state river basins in India.
- The rain-fed river covers a drainage area of 18,951 square km in Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha.
- Besides, the State Government is starting an all-weather port of Subarnarekha on it.
The Jharkhand Government will not be able to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) on intra-state link of rivers unless the Odisha Government provides its consent, reported The Pioneer quoting sources.