Interlinking of Rivers (Indian Drainage).
Syllabus: UPSC Pre GS1: Indian & World Geography; Mains GS1
A PIB Backgrounder of 21 August 2026 answers questions on the Ken-Betwa Link Project, the first river-interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan to reach implementation. Costing ₹44,605 crore, it moves Ken water to the Betwa basin through the 96.7 m Daudhan Dam and a 216.465 km canal. It will irrigate 10.62 lakh hectares in Bundelkhand by 2030.
UPSC angle: Mains: River interlinking: benefits and risks.
21 Aug 2026
The government told Rajya Sabha on 10 August 2026 that 30 river interlinking projects were identified under the National Perspective Plan: 16 in the Peninsular component and 14 in the Himalayan component. The Ken-Betwa Link, costing ₹44,605 crore, is the only priority link under implementation. The Polavaram-linked Godavari-Krishna link has been completed by Andhra Pradesh.
UPSC angle: Mains: Interlinking rivers.
10 Aug 2026
The Kosi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project in Bihar has been included under PMKSY-AIBP for balance works of ₹6,143.22 crore, with central assistance of ₹3,652.56 crore, the Jal Shakti Ministry told Rajya Sabha on 27 July 2026. It is due by March 2029. Remodelling of the Eastern Kosi Main Canal has reached 8.5 per cent physical progress.
UPSC angle: Prelims: intra-State links.
27 Jul 2026