Jharkhand Requests Odisha For Inter-Linking Of Rivers

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 and 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.