DMK MP calls for urgent north-south river-linking project

In a recent discussion in the Lok Sabha, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP T.R. Baalu urged the Indian government to prioritize the north-south river-linking project. He highlighted its potential economic and logistical benefits, calling for quicker progress on connecting rivers in India. Baalu criticized the government for its slow pace in developing inter-state river connectivity, especially between water-rich Himalayan rivers and water-scarce peninsular rivers. He pointed out that since Prime Minister Modi promised to focus on these projects in 2014, there has been little progress. No detailed project reports have been developed for many key peninsular rivers, he claimed. The DMK leader mentioned the need to link important rivers like the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, and Kaveri. He noted that, after the Ken-Betwa project, which connects rivers in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, he expected more advancements for peninsular rivers but found none. Baalu emphasized the economic advantages of linking northern and southern rivers, suggesting it could improve cargo transport and power generation. He urged the Prime Minister to expedite the south Indian projects, arguing they would yield greater benefits than the bullet train project. Congress MP Rahul Kaswan also joined the conversation, asking the ruling government to point out any significant irrigation project they have launched in the past decade. He recalled several major projects started by previous Congress governments, highlighting the importance of supporting farmers for national progress. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal responded to criticism by questioning why Opposition-ruled states were struggling to provide clean drinking water under the government’s Jal Jeevan Mission. He praised the Ken-Betwa project, stating it would increase irrigation capacity significantly in the Bundelkhand region.