1. What is River Linking?
River linking refers to the inter-basin transfer of water through canals, reservoirs, and dams to redistribute excess water from rivers in flood-prone areas to water-scarce regions. The project involves both intra-state and inter-state linkages.
2. Main Components of India’s River Linking Programme
The National Perspective Plan (NPP), launched in 1980 by the Ministry of Water Resources, divides the river linking project into two main components:
A. Himalayan Rivers Development Component
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Involves construction of storage reservoirs on rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra.
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Aims to transfer water to north-western India, including Rajasthan and Haryana.
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Key links:
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Kosi–Ghagra
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Sarda–Yamuna
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Ganga–Damodar–Subarnarekha
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B. Peninsular Rivers Development Component
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Focuses on linking rivers in southern and central India.
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Aims to address droughts in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana.
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Key links:
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Ken–Betwa (approved and under implementation)
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Par–Tapi–Narmada
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Godavari–Krishna–Cauvery
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3. Major River Linking Projects (Examples)
| Project | States Involved | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ken–Betwa Link | Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh | Under construction |
| Par–Tapi–Narmada | Gujarat, Maharashtra | Proposed |
| Godavari–Krishna | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana | Partially implemented |
| Mahanadi–Godavari | Odisha, Andhra Pradesh | Proposed |
| Kosi–Ghagra–Ganga | Bihar, Uttar Pradesh | Feasibility studied |
4. Objectives and Key Features
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Transfer of surplus water to deficit regions.
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Flood mitigation in eastern and northeastern India.
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Drought-proofing of central and southern India.
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Enhancement of irrigation potential across river basins.
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Improved inland navigation and hydropower generation.
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Balanced regional development.
5. Benefits of River Linking Projects
A. Agricultural Benefits
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Increases irrigation potential by providing consistent water supply.
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Can irrigate an additional 25–30 million hectares of land.
B. Flood and Drought Management
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Channels excess monsoon water to dry areas, reducing flood damage and crop losses.
C. Hydropower Generation
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Creation of reservoirs and barrages offers opportunities for hydroelectric power.
D. Drinking Water Supply
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Can provide safe and reliable water to arid and semi-arid areas.
E. Inland Water Transport
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Canal systems can be developed for cost-effective transport of goods.
F. Employment and Economic Growth
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Large-scale infrastructure projects create jobs, boost rural development, and stimulate regional economies.
6. Challenges and Criticisms
A. Environmental Concerns
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Submergence of forests, wetlands, and biodiversity hotspots.
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Disruption of aquatic ecosystems and fish migration routes.
B. Displacement and Social Impact
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Thousands of villagers and tribal communities face displacement.
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Loss of livelihoods and cultural heritage.
C. Inter-State Water Disputes
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Conflicts over water sharing, especially during non-monsoon periods.
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States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have raised concerns.
D. High Financial Costs
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Estimated cost over ₹11 lakh crore (and rising).
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Financial feasibility is questioned due to maintenance and operational expenses.
E. Geological and Technical Challenges
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Long-distance canal systems may face leakages, evaporation losses, and siltation.
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Fragile Himalayan terrain poses seismic and landslide risks.
F. Climate Change Factor
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Changes in monsoon patterns and river flows could make the “surplus-deficit” model unreliable.
7. Way Forward
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Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) instead of large-scale transfers.
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Revive traditional water systems like tanks, stepwells, and ponds.
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Enhance water use efficiency through micro-irrigation and crop planning.
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Public consultation and environmental clearance must be transparent and science-based.
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Develop inter-basin agreements with equitable water-sharing frameworks.
Conclusion
The river linking project holds promise for addressing India’s perennial water challenges, particularly in the face of climate uncertainty and rising population pressure. However, its success hinges on a balanced approach—one that weighs the economic and developmental gains against the social and environmental costs. Long-term sustainability will depend on combining technological solutions with local knowledge, strong governance, and inclusive planning.