No further time should be lost and the Government should immediately constitute a body to examine this scheme, in detail on the ground. This is not to examine its feasibility, but to determine its scope, phases, ideal alignment and so forth, all this which will entail the collection of an immense amount of data such as;

1. The exact contour at which the respective canals should best be run to get the maximum benefit with least effort and cost in terms of both time and resources.
2. The ideal width and depth of the canal and its suggested cross-section keeping in mind its purpose both for water storage as well as for transportation. A study of the European water transportation systems could prove useful here.
3. The number and location of valley reservoirs, especially in the Himalayas, will depend on the exact quantum of water to be held and where.
4. The best locations for the Camps, Airfields, Helipads, Power stations and so on.
5. All other pertinent information required for the design and construction of the canals.
6. Proper evaluation of the environmental impact of such a Project and the implementation of a suitable methodology of execution to minimize the effect, or perhaps to even improve the environment. Because, after all, the existing environment, when compared to what it used to be in historic times, is already much degraded. Again, a study of the European and Japanese experience in this regard could prove very useful here.

Roads, and at places even Railways, (though mainly water transportation will replace Railways along the canals) will be following the alignments of the canals with Helipads and Airfields at intervals to open out the entire Country.

Well planned, properly Zoned camp sites will become future ideal townships especially as in future more and more people will be living in towns. Progress and development can follow the canal as working camps can be used as nuclei for spreading, education, medical aid, sanitation together with financial improvement, economic development to include better agriculture, modern industry and greater commerce based on easy transportation and communications. Adult education, sanitation, hygiene etc., will be taught in the camps by Welfare Officers and others so that the labour and their families will be educated before they finish the Project. Audio & Visual education should be given greater emphasis. As canal work progress, other developing authorities should move in to utilize the developed facilities.

Organized on a war footing and taken up as our primary aim, this Project can change the face of India, not only economically but socially and politically also. We will all be welded into one Nation and overcome our regional parochialism.

Perhaps, as a demonstration exercise, each State could take up a critical section of the canal, within it and standardize its working procedures thereafter. For example, in Andhra Pradesh the portion linking River Krishna to River Godavari could be taken up.

Even the development of the existing canals like Nagarjuna Sagar canal and Rajasthan canal and other projected canals like Deccan canal and others can be incorporated to a great extent in the GIPS, if so desired. By doing this, the scope of development of these canals can also, be enhanced. Afforestation on the upper slopes of the canal excavation not only prevents soil erosion but also, increases our Forest Wealth. Subsidiary canals and other irrigation channels and levelling of fields for utilizing the canal waters will be done by the local PWD either departmentally or through contracts.

The Chief Ministers can be made Members of the Apex body of the GIPS, so that coordination will be easily available and no great holdups are envisaged in the completion and successful utilization of all resources of the GIPS.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6