SC: Near-unanimity of states on river link
There is a general consensus among states that the Rs5.6-lakh-crore rivers inter-linking project would transform the economy, but some states through which major rivers flow have given a 'qualified' approval raising the question of federalism, the Supreme Court (SC) has noted in its order.
Of the 10 states that filed affidavits, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have supported the concept, while Madhya Pradesh said the matter should be entirely under the jurisdiction of the Centre.
Karnataka, Bihar, Assam and Sikkim approved it with 'definite reservations', SC said in the order recorded while dealing with the question of federalism arising out of the case.
Kerala is the lone state that has totally opposed the plan saying long-distance inter-basin water transfer was not possible from its territory, as the state needed more water to feed its “intricate” network of natural and man-made channels.
Other states failed to file affidavits, or did not respond to the SC notice as they are not direct stakeholders.
However, a bench headed by chief justice of India S.H. Kapadia dealing at length with Centre-state and inter-state relations arising out of the matter pointed out that 'primarily there is unanimity' between all authorities concerned that the project would transform the Indian economy.
In fact, the near-unanimity had prompted SC to stop monitoring the project and order a multi-member committee for the purpose with wide representation from Centre and states.
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