BJP TODAY

May 16--31, 2003 - Vol. 12, No. 10

Task Force on Inter-linking Rivers appoints communications group
Group will seek to create mass awareness
By Our special correspondent

Acutely conscious about creating mass awareness about the inter-linking of river project in view of the complex nature of the programme, the Task Force on Interlinking of Rivers (TF-ILR) has set up a Communication Core Group with Shri V.B. Patel, former Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC) as chairman.

Other members of the Group are : Shri Bhaskar Rao of the Centre for Media Study, Shri Arabinda Ghose, Journalist, Shri Sahib Singh, Principal Information Officer (PIO) of the Government of India, the Information officer from the Press Information Bureau looking after the Ministry of Water Resources, and a representative of the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) who will be the member-secretary of this Group.

The terms of reference of the Communication Group will be to:

i) Study Media reports concerning the projects of inter-linking of the rivers of India and prepare press briefings to disseminate correct information/status.

ii) Provide a comprehensive picture of the benefits which will accrue from the inter-linking of rivers such as drinking water, irrigation, power generation, navigation, employment generation, social uplift etc. giving examples of completed Projects along with their benefits and other features;

iii) Prepare a list of national and regional eminent persons who can write articles on the programme of inter-linking of rivers. A list of international eminent persons who can support the cause may also be evolved.

iv) Prepare a list of organisations from whom support can be mobilised on inter-linking of rivers.

v) Preparation of a booklet explaining the details of inter-linking as a white paper. This will also be translated in Hindi and other important national languages.

vi) Edit-modify the audio-visual presentation prepared by NWDA for sending to electronic media.

vii) Identify a group of volunteers who can work in the local areas to create awareness among the public.

viii) Preparation of district-wise NGO's workshop in the field of water, and

ix) Any other point considered as relevant by the core group for the purpose of increasing mass awareness.

The Communications Core Group will have its headquarters in New Delhi and shall meet as and when necessary. The Chairman will function from Ahmedabad.