River interlinking: 30 links identified; only Ken–Betwa in implementation

The river interlinking programme: what happened?

Some river basins have surplus water, others face shortage. Interlinking moves water from one to the other through canals and dams. The idea is decades old, but progress is slow because each link needs agreement between States, money and environmental clearance.

• A comprehensive EIA and an integrated management plan (ILMP) are done for Ken-Betwa.
• Polavaram is a National Project executed by Andhra Pradesh and the Polavaram Project Authority.
• Polavaram has received central assistance of ₹20,658 crore.
• The Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link has an MoA signed by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
• Damanganga-Pinjal and Par-Tapi-Narmada were dropped from the priority list.

What is the status of key links?

What will Polavaram deliver?

• Irrigation for about 7.2 lakh acres and stabilisation of 23.5 lakh acres.
• Diversion of 80 TMC of Godavari water to the Krishna basin.
• Water for about 28.5 lakh people in 611 villages and for Visakhapatnam.
• 960 MW of hydropower.

Which constitutional provisions govern river linking?

• List I (Union List), Entry 56: regulation and development of inter-State rivers and river valleys to the extent declared by Parliament by law to be expedient in the public interest.
• List II (State List), Entry 17: water, that is to say, water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage and embankments, water storage and water power, subject to Entry 56 of List I.
• Article 262: Parliament may by law provide for adjudication of disputes on waters of inter-State rivers or river valleys.

How does a link project move?

1. Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR)
2. Feasibility Report (FR) with EIA
3. Detailed Project Report (DPR)
4. Agreement among States (MoA)
5. Clearances, land and R&R, then construction

Why does the river interlinking programme matter?

What are the challenges in the river interlinking programme?

• Only one priority link is under implementation decades after the plan.
• Inter-State consensus is hard, as with Manibhadra and Inchampalli dams.
• Some links lost their surplus water, like Netravati-Hemavati.
• Himalayan links involve Nepal and other neighbours.
• Displacement and forest loss need careful R&R.

What should be done next on the river interlinking programme?

• Build consensus through MoAs, as done for Ken-Betwa and Modified PKC.
• Complete DPRs with full EIA.
• Update water-balance studies before new links.
• Ensure timely R&R for affected families.

What can Prelims ask on the river interlinking programme?

• NPP: 30 links (16 Peninsular, 14 Himalayan); NWDA implements.
• Ken-Betwa: ₹44,605 crore; 11.88 lakh ha; only priority link under implementation.
• Polavaram: National Project; 80 TMC Godavari to Krishna.
• List I Entry 56 and List II Entry 17 govern river water.

How to write about the river interlinking programme in Mains

Practice question (15 marks, 250 words): Interlinking of rivers promises water security but faces economic, environmental and federal hurdles. Discuss with reference to the status of the National Perspective Plan.

• Intro: NPP, 30 links, NWDA.
• Progress: Ken-Betwa, Polavaram, Modified PKC.
• Hurdles: consensus, cost, environment, surplus changes, international links.
• Constitutional scheme: List I 56, List II 17, Art 262.
• Way forward.

What should UPPCS aspirants note?

• UP links: Ken-Betwa (UP and MP, under implementation), Sarda-Yamuna (DPR completed), Kosi-Ghaghra, Gandak-Ganga, Ghaghra-Yamuna and Chunar-Sone Barrage (feasibility reports completed).