• The River Interlinking Project is a comprehensive initiative with the goal of proficiently overseeing India's water resources. 
• This ambitious project involves the interconnection of Indian rivers through an intricate network of reservoirs and canals, aiming to enhance irrigation, promote groundwater recharge, and alleviate persistent floods in certain regions while addressing water scarcity in others. 
• The rationale behind river interlinking stems from the recognition that various parts of the country contend with annual droughts, while others grapple with recurrent flooding.

River Interlinking Projects in India: An Overview

• The National River Linking Project (NRLP) stands as a monumental engineering endeavor aimed at optimizing the management of India's water resources. 
• River linking, a pivotal aspect of this initiative, involves the connection of two or more rivers through the construction of a network comprising manually crafted reservoirs and canals. This intricate system facilitates access to river water in previously inaccessible land areas and concurrently curtails the excessive flow of water to the sea.
• The foundational premise of river linking is rooted in the notion that surplus water in certain rivers can be effectively redirected to rivers facing deficits. 
• This is achieved through the construction of an extensive canal network connecting these rivers, thereby fostering a balanced distribution of water resources.

The River Interlinking Project comprises three distinct components:

Himalayan Rivers Inter-link Components:

This segment focuses on interlinking rivers originating from the Himalayan region, with the aim of channeling water to areas facing scarcity and drought.

Peninsular Component:

The Peninsular component concentrates on interlinking rivers within the Peninsular region, addressing water distribution imbalances and enhancing overall water availability.

Intrastate Rivers Linking Component:

This component involves the interlinking of rivers within individual states, contributing to intra-state water transfer and effective water resource management.

• The responsibility for overseeing and implementing this ambitious project lies with the National Water Development Agency, operating under the Ministry of Jal Shakti in India. 
• The NRLP, also known as the National Perspective Plan, envisions large-scale inter-basin water transfer projects. 
• These projects seek to divert water from basins experiencing surplus and frequent flooding to basins grappling with water deficit, drought, and scarcity. 
• The overarching goal is to create a comprehensive and integrated system that optimally utilizes the country's water resources to address regional variations in water availability and enhance overall water security.

Historical Background of River Interlinking in India:

The concept of river interlinking in India has a rich historical background, marked by key developments and initiatives over the years.

1919 - Sir Arthur Cotton's Proposal:

• The idea of connecting rivers was first proposed by Sir Arthur Cotton, the Chief Engineer of the Madras Presidency, in 1919. 
• This early visionary proposal laid the groundwork for future discussions on river interlinking.

1960 - KL Rao's Revival:

•  In 1960, KL Rao, the Minister of State for Energy and Irrigation, revived the concept by proposing the interlinking of the Ganga and Cauvery rivers. 
• This rejuvenated the discussion around the potential benefits of connecting major rivers.

1982 - National Water Development Agency (NWDA):

• Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi took a significant step in 1982 by establishing the National Water Development Agency (NWDA). This institution played a crucial role in the planning and execution of river interlinking projects.

2002 - Supreme Court Directive:

• In 2002, the Supreme Court of India directed the government to formulate a plan for connecting rivers by 2003 and to implement it by 2016. This directive highlighted the urgency and importance of addressing water distribution challenges.

 2003 - Government Task Force:

• Responding to the Supreme Court's directive, the government established a task force in 2003 to delve into the complexities of river interlinking and devise a comprehensive plan for implementation.

2012 - Supreme Court's Request:

• In 2012, the Supreme Court reiterated its interest in the project and requested that efforts be intensified to restart the river interlinking initiative.

2014 - Ken-Betwa River Linking Project Approval:

• A significant milestone occurred in 2014 when the Cabinet approved the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project. This project aimed to connect the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh with the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh.

Ongoing Challenges and Opposition:

• Despite approvals, the project faced opposition, primarily from environmentalists and certain sections of the government. This opposition has led to delays and challenges in the initiation of some interlinking projects.

2021 - Inauguration of the Ken-Betwa Project:

• Approximately four decades after its conception, India's first river interlinking project, connecting the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh with the Betwa in Uttar Pradesh, finally commenced in 2021. This marked a significant step forward in the realization of river interlinking initiatives.
• The historical trajectory reflects a combination of visionary proposals, bureaucratic initiatives, legal directives, and ongoing challenges, shaping the journey of river interlinking in India over the years.

River Interlinking Projects - Components and Progress

Himalayan Component:

Projects in Progress:

• The Himalayan component of the National River Linking Project (NRLP) encompasses 14 projects that are currently in progress.
• Storage dams are planned for the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, along with their tributaries.
• A proposed link between the Ganga and the Yamuna is part of this component.

Objectives and Benefits:

• The primary objectives include mitigating flooding in the Ganga-Brahmaputra river system.
• Benefits extend to drought-prone areas in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat.

Sub-Components:

• Connecting the Ganga and Brahmaputra basins to the Mahanadi basin.
• Linking the Ganga's eastern tributaries with the Sabarmati and Chambal river systems.

Peninsular Component:

Vision:

• The peninsular component aims to interlink the 16 rivers of southern India.

Water Diversion:

• Water from the Mahanadi and Godavari rivers will be diverted to the Krishna, Cauvery, Pennar, and Vaigai rivers.

Sub-Component Linkages:

• Linking the Mahanadi and Godavari river basins to the Cauvery, Krishna, and Vaigai river systems.
• Connecting Ken to Betwa, and Parbati and Kalisindh rivers to Chambal.
• Rivers flowing west from Tapi to the north of Bombay.
• Interlinking some rivers flowing west with those flowing east.

Intrastate Rivers Linking Component:

Initiation:

In June 2005, India approved and commissioned the National Water Development Agency for feasibility studies on intra-state projects connecting rivers within states.

Responses and Proposals:

• Several states and union territories responded differently to the proposals.
• Some states, including Nagaland, Meghalaya, Kerala, Punjab, Delhi, Sikkim, Haryana, and union territories like Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Daman & Diu, and Lakshadweep, expressed no plans for intrastate river linking.
• Puducherry proposed a link between Pennaiyar and Sankarabarani.
• Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Orissa, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Tamil Nadu proposed a total of 36 inter-linking projects within their territories.

The River Interlinking Projects aim to address water distribution challenges, mitigate floods, and enhance water availability across different regions of India through an integrated and comprehensive approach.

Challenges of River Interlinking Projects:

Engineering Complexity and Resource Requirements:

• The ambitious nature of river interlinking projects demands a high level of engineering expertise, leading to substantial costs and manpower requirements.

Ecosystem Impact:

• The extensive changes brought about by the project can adversely affect entire ecosystems, causing displacement and disruptions to wildlife, flora, and fauna in river systems.

Impact on Protected Areas:

• National parks and sanctuaries situated along river systems face potential threats, necessitating careful consideration during project execution.

Impact on Aquatic Life:

• The redirection of freshwater from rivers to canals may reduce the flow of freshwater into the sea, posing a threat to marine aquatic life.

Societal Displacement:

• The construction of dams and reservoirs may displace a significant population, requiring proper rehabilitation and fair compensation.

Flood Control Scepticism:

• Some sceptics question the project's ability to effectively control floods, citing instances of large dams causing flooding in certain regions.

State Opposition:

• Several states, including Kerala, Sikkim, and Andhra Pradesh, have expressed opposition to the river interlinking project, creating challenges in its implementation.

International Disputes:

• The Himalayan component of the project may impact neighboring countries, leading to potential international disputes, with Bangladesh opposing the transfer of water from the Brahmaputra to the Ganga.

Way Forward

Comprehensive Impact Assessments:

• Thorough environmental impact assessments and studies are essential to understand the full magnitude of the project's environmental impact.

Local Solutions and Watershed Management:

• Prioritize local solutions, such as improved irrigation practices and watershed management, to address water-related challenges.

Focus on Water Conservation:

• Emphasize water conservation and equitable distribution, with increased attention to groundwater enhancement.

National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA):

• Establish the National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA) as an autonomous body responsible for planning, investigating, financing, and implementing river interlinking projects.

Coordination and Cooperation:

• NIRA should coordinate with neighboring countries, concerned states, and departments, managing environmental, wildlife, and forest clearances, as well as legal aspects.

Financial Mechanisms:

• NIRA should have the authority to raise funds, act as a repository for borrowed funds, and establish Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for individual link projects.

Emphasis on Waterways Project:

• Consider alternatives like the National Waterways Project (NWP), utilizing excess floodwater to eliminate conflicts over river water sharing.
• Navigating these challenges requires a comprehensive and cooperative approach, ensuring sustainable water management and minimizing adverse impacts on ecosystems and communities.

FAQs - River Interlinking Projects in India

1. What is the River Inter-linking Project in India?

Ans. The River Inter-linking Project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at efficiently managing India's water resources. It involves connecting Indian rivers through a network of reservoirs and canals to enhance irrigation, promote groundwater recharge, and address floods and water scarcity. 

2. What is the goal of the River Inter-linking Project? 

Ans. The primary goal is to create a balanced distribution of water resources by interconnecting rivers, addressing regional variations in water availability, and enhancing overall water security.

3. How is river linking achieved in the project? 

Ans. River linking involves the construction of manually crafted reservoirs and canals to connect two or more rivers. This intricate network facilitates access to river water in previously inaccessible areas and reduces excessive water flow to the sea.

4. What are the components of the River Inter-linking Project? 

Ans. The project comprises three main components: Himalayan Rivers Inter-link, Peninsular Component, and Intrastate Rivers Linking Component, each focusing on specific geographical regions and water management challenges.

5. Who is responsible for implementing the project? 

Ans. The National Water Development Agency, operating under the Ministry of Jal Shakti in India, is responsible for overseeing and implementing the River Inter-linking Project.

6. How does the project address historical water distribution challenges? 

Ans. By diverting surplus water from flood-prone rivers to those facing deficits, the project aims to create an integrated system that optimally utilizes India's water resources, addressing historical imbalances.

7. What is the historical background of river interlinking in India?

Ans. The idea dates back to 1919 when Sir Arthur Cotton proposed it. The concept gained momentum in 1960 with KL Rao's revival, leading to the establishment of the National Water Development Agency in 1982.

8. What are the ongoing challenges and opposition faced by the project? 

Ans. Challenges include engineering complexity, ecosystem impact, opposition from states like Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, and potential international disputes. Environmentalists and certain government sections have opposed the project.

9. How is the River Inter-linking Project progressing? 

Ans. The project has seen milestones such as the approval of the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project in 2014. Despite delays and opposition, India's first river interlinking project, connecting the Ken River with the Betwa, commenced in 2021.

10. What is the significance of the River Interlinking Projects for India? 

Ans. The projects aim to address water distribution challenges, mitigate floods, and enhance water availability across different regions of India through an integrated and comprehensive approach. They also hold economic, environmental, and social benefits.

11. What are the major challenges faced by River Interlinking Projects? 

Ans. Challenges include engineering complexity, ecosystem impact, opposition from states and environmentalists, skepticism about flood control, and potential international disputes.

12. What is the proposed way forward for River Interlinking Projects? 

Ans. The way forward involves comprehensive impact assessments, prioritizing local solutions and watershed management, emphasizing water conservation, establishing the National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA), and considering alternatives like the National Waterways Project (NWP).