Date:12/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/12/stories/2006051221570400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

`Networking of rivers aims at creating water grid'

Special Correspondent

Will contribute to control of floods and drought

It will help carry water from surplus to deficient rivers
Flood damage in five States came up to Rs. 77,000 cr. last year

Majority of population will get drinking water throughout the year

HYDERABAD: A.C. Kamaraj, a member of the experts committee on interlinking of rivers, has said that the proposal to network rivers aimed at creating a water grid like it was done in the case of power.

Speaking at a public discourse on alternatives to interlinking of rivers organised by the Centre for World Solidarity here on Thursday, Mr. Kamaraj stressed the necessity for water grid although many States opposed the proposal. It will help carry water from surplus to deficient rivers.

Like highways

Mr. Kamaraj, who is also chairman of National Waterways Development Council, said the networking of rivers was like the National Highways project which ensured several industries flourished en route. It will contribute to control of floods and drought. Regulation of fresh water was a by-product.

A majority of the population could be assured of drinking water throughout the year.