All concerned individuals are opposed to the ecologically disastrous idea of interlinking rivers, the largest project of its kind attempted anywhere in the world. Similar mega projects like Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project that will connect the Gulf of Mannar with the Bay of Bengal through the Palk Bay are proposed. Same is the case with Kalpasar project in Gujarat for a 64-km-long ‘dream lake’, planned to be built across the Gulf of Cambay to create the world’s largest sweet water lake.

Given the fact that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the above mentioned projects it is not surprising that these environmental concerns do not find any mention in the National Environmental Policy 2004 as was the case with National Water Policy 2002 which have been drafted at the behest of CCEA.

'Tyranny of bureaucracy' has divorced the policy making from reality. India needs people centered local water solutions that can solve the real needs of the people.

The claimed benefits like irrigation of 35 million hectares of farmland, 34,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity, mitigation of droughts, floods and disputes from the riverlinking project have been deemed highly dubious and has been cogently debunked.

Near poltical unanimity to rewrite the geography of the country at the instance of vested business interests deserves a befitting response in unison from democratic movements across the globe.

The message from Tsunami disaster, plight of Harsud town of Madhya Pradesh, the vulnerability of Tehri dam is clear, "learn to manage water better" and do not allow fiddling with the Nature.

But if one is to look at the way our judiciary is responding to the above situation, one has to just read the order of the apex court (HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE Y.K. SABHARWAL and HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE D.M. DHARMADHIKARI) given below to understand why ecologists of the sub-continent are saddened.

"Pursuant to orders dated 30th August, 2004, a progress report in the matter of "Interlinking of Rivers" has been filed in the form of an annexure (Annexure R-9) to the affidavit of Shri M.S. Gupta, Senior Joint Commissioner (Basin Management), Ministry of Water Resources. Learned Solicitor General has also brought to our notice the presentation on the aspect of interlinking of rivers which was made by the Ministry of Water Resources in a high powered meeting, comprising of the Prime Minsiter, Union Minister of Finance, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Member, Planning Commission, and Member Secretary to the Prime Minister amongst others.

That presentation was made on 11th October, 2004.With reference to the project reports pertaining to link between Ken-Betwa which has a length of 231 Kms. and the link between Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal with a length of 243 Kms., in the first link there being two States (U.P. & M.P.) and in the second link again there being two States (M.P. & Rajasthan), it has been, inter alia, stated that the consensus group has been asked to intensify its efforts with a view to resolve technical issues with the State Governments and submit its report by November, 2004.

The presentation, however, stipulates that after the receipt of the report that may be submitted by November, 2004, the Secretary (Water Resources) will hold discussions with concerned State Governments followed by political level meetings to reach an understanding so that preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) can start. It has also been stipulated that other apprehensions of States will be addressed at DPR stage. The presentation has priortised the different project components for preparation of DPRs and implementation.

In regard to involvement of environmentalists and others, this Court in its order dated 5th May, 2003 had directed that the process of preparation of DPRs for an inter basin link needs to cover also a detailed environmental impact assessment, environmental management plan and R&R plan for project affected persons. An apprehension was expressed at that stage that the matters of environment may be over looked in the implementation of this project. This Court found no substance in the apprehension that the Task Force would not implement the law. It was observed that in case other experts in the field provide necessary inputs, that would be given due consideration it deserves. Now, a perusal of the present report shows that it has been specifically noticed that a group of environmentalists, social activists and other experts will be constituted by the Ministry of Water Resources which will be involved in the consultative process for the project.

In the order dated 26th April, 2004, we had observed that, prima facie, it is not possible to contemplate any reason for the feasibility report not being put on website.

In the Status Report, it has been mentioned that the Chiarman, Governing Body, NWDA and Secretary (Water Resources) has directed NWDA on 13th October, 2004 to take further action for putting the feasibility report on Ken-Betwa Link on website. For further consideration the matter shall be placed before the Court in the last week of January or first week of February, 2005."