Short Wave How An Ambitious River Rerouting Plan Could Change India's Weather
4 snips
Jul 19, 2024 
Sushmita Pathak, a journalist from Delhi, discusses India's monumental plan to link rivers aimed at addressing extreme flooding and drought. More than a century in the making, this ambitious project could transform water distribution across the country. Pathak sheds light on the potential ecological and societal impacts, as well as the challenges posed by a water mafia that disrupts fair access for farmers. The conversation delves into the pressing need for transparency in data and collaboration with scientists to mitigate unforeseen consequences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Water Issues in India
- The Yamuna River flooded Delhi in 2023, causing thousands of evacuations.
- Bengaluru, a tech hub, faces water shortages, leading to a "water mafia" and high farmer suicide rates.
India's River Linking Project
- India plans to dig 30 river links, transferring 200 billion cubic meters of water annually.
- This massive project aims to address water disparity and improve irrigation and hydropower.
Project Concerns
- While promising increased irrigation and hydropower, the project's data isn't public.
- Experts question the classification of rivers as surplus or deficit without transparent data.