Topic: geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
2. Critically analyse the potential of river interlinking to ensure greater equity in the distribution of water by enhancing the availability of water in drought prone and rain-fed area. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the funding and implementation of the Ken-Betwa river interlinking project at a cost of ₹44,605 crore at the 2020-21 price level. The Centre would fund ₹39,317 crore for the project, with ₹36,290 crore as a grant and ₹3,027 crore as a loan.
Key Demand of the question:
to analyse if interlinking of river in India is a sustainable water management practice.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by giving context.
Body:
First, write about the National River Linking Project (NRLP) formally known as the National Perspective Plan, envisages the transfer of water from water ‘surplus’ basins where there is flooding, to water ‘deficit’ basins where there is drought/scarcity, through inter-basin water transfer projects.
Briefly present the history behind River Interlinking in the country. Present the scope of the project and then critically evaluate the concerns posed by it as well as its benefits.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a fair and balanced opinion.
