NETWORKING OF RIVERS Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Pursuant to the order dated 6/1/2004, an affidavit by the Joint Commissioner (Basin Management) , Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India, dated 23/4/2004, has been filed. We have perused the said affidavit which details the progress in the matter of interlinking of rivers. Dealing with the follow-up action on signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the affidavit states that the Government of Madhya Pradesh has communicated its consent to sign the MOU while the matter is under discussion with the Governments of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh and efforts are being made to sort out the differences. With regard to the follow-up action by the Central Water Commission and the National Water Development Agency, it has been stated that the detailed project report for Ken-Betwa link is proposed to be completed by the Central Water Commission in thirty months. Our attention was drawn to the timetable for interlinking of rivers already filed, according to which, for completion of detailed project reports, the time stipulated was 31/12/2006. The feasibility report of Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link is stated to have been completed in March 2004.

(2.) In respect of putting the feasibility report on website, an affidavit be filed along with the next progress report. Prima facie we cannot contemplate any reason for the feasibility report not being put on website. In the affidavit to be filed, the aspect of Central legislation, as noticed in this Court's order dated 31/10/2002, be also indicated. Further progress report and the affidavit shall be filed within four months. List after four months.