NGO opposes interlinking of rivers

The 'Rashtriya Jal Sammelan', a non-governmental organisation, has opposed the proposed inter-linking of rivers, saying the move, which is being projected as a solution to the country's water problems was just "another way of commodification of water."

The 'Rashtriya Jal Sammelan', a non-governmental organisation, has opposed the proposed inter-linking of rivers, saying the move, which is being projected as a solution to the country's water problems was just "another way of commodification of water."

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At its two-day meet here which began on Thursday, the NGO's organisers told reporters here that the Sammelan has been carrying on an awareness campaign to bring about legislations as well as their implementation for stopping prevention of pollution of waterways through encroachments and through dumping of civic wastes.

Rajendra Singh, founder of the organisation, in his address said the sammelan was opposed to interlinking of rivers.

"Instead we should look into ways of maximising use of waterways and bringing about localised managing of water sources through public participation. We should also increase fresh water availability and not change the course of rivers", he said.