River Linking Project

The River Linking Project is a significant initiative in India aimed at addressing the country's water scarcity, flood control, and irrigation needs by interlinking rivers.

Recent Developments:

The Maharashtra government recently approved the Wainganga-Nalganga river linking project, which is part of the National River Linking Project (NRLP).

Key Details:

• Wainganga-Nalganga Project:
• It involves diverting water from the Wainganga River (Gosikhurd project) in the Godavari basin to the Nalganga project in the Purna Tapi basin in Buldhana district.
• A total of 426.52 km of link canals will be constructed for this project.
• The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) presented the project's detailed report in 2018.
• Nar-Par-Girna Valley Intra-State Link Project:
• This project aims to divert surplus water from Maharashtra’s west-flowing rivers (Ambika, Auranga, and Nar-Par basins) to the Girna river in the Tapi basin.

Interlinking of Rivers in India:

The National River Linking Project (NRLP), a part of India’s National Perspective Plan (NPP) (formulated in 1980), aims to interlink surplus and deficit rivers to ensure equitable distribution of water resources.

• Objective: The goal is to divert excess water from surplus regions (rivers) to deficit regions.
• Components:
• Peninsular Component: 16 river links (e.g., Ken-Betwa link).
• Himalayan Component: 14 river links.

In 2021, the Union Cabinet approved the Ken-Betwa link, marking the first implementation of interlinking rivers in India.

Benefits of River Linking:

• Irrigation: The interlinking of rivers is expected to provide irrigation to 35 million hectares (25 million hectares via surface water and 10 million hectares through enhanced groundwater).
• Hydropower Generation: It is estimated to generate about 34,000 MW of hydropower.
• Water Security: The project can enhance water availability for drinking, agriculture, and industrial uses, addressing severe water stress issues.
• Flood and Drought Mitigation: By transferring excess water from flood-prone areas to drought-prone regions, the project can help manage both extremes. India faces significant flood-related economic losses (estimated at over $4.2 billion in 2022).
• Inland Waterways: The canals created for the river-linking projects could serve as waterways, reducing the burden on road and rail transport.
• Employment and Growth: The construction of these massive infrastructure projects can generate jobs and stimulate the growth of related service sectors.
• Drinking Water: Improved access to safe drinking water in regions that currently face water shortages.

The Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) project in India, while promising substantial benefits like improved irrigation, hydropower, and flood control, faces significant challenges that complicate its implementation.

Key Challenges of Interlinking Rivers:

• State Water Disputes:
• Interlinking rivers requires agreement between states, which is often difficult due to competing claims over water resources.
• Example: The ongoing Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka highlights the complexity of water sharing between states. Interlinking rivers can intensify such disputes.
• Environmental Impact:
• ILR could disrupt natural ecological systems, leading to adverse impacts on monsoon cycles, regional ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• Example: The Ken-Betwa Link could negatively affect the biodiversity of the Ken River, which harbors unique species, including a medicinal fish that may not survive in Betwa.
• Loss of Forests:
• Dams and infrastructure related to river linking can lead to deforestation and habitat loss.
• Example: The proposed Daudhan Dam for the Ken-Betwa link is projected to submerge a significant portion of the Panna Tiger Reserve, which threatens its ecosystem and wildlife, including tigers.
• Social Costs:
• Large-scale river linking projects displace communities and affect livelihoods, especially for marginalized groups.
• Example: The Polavaram Project, part of the interlinking of the Mahanadi-Godavari-Krishna-Pennar-Cauvery-Vaigai rivers, displaced around 1 lakh families, with 80% of them belonging to tribal communities.
• Bilateral Challenges:
• Rivers such as the Ganga and Brahmaputra flow across international borders, which complicates ILR, as it requires bilateral agreements with neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal.
• Economic Costs:
• ILR projects are capital-intensive, requiring significant financial investments.
• Example: The Wainganga-Nalganga River Linking Project is projected to cost around ₹87,342.86 crore.

Government Initiatives:

To address these challenges, the government has taken several steps:

• Task Force for Interlinking of Rivers (2015):
• Established by the Ministry of Water Resources, the task force examines various issues related to ILR and coordinates with states and stakeholders.
• Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers (2014):
• This committee formed three sub-committees to conduct comprehensive evaluations of studies, explore alternatives, and restructure the National Water Development Agency (NWDA).
• Group on Intra-State River Links (2015):
• Focuses on resolving key intra-state issues, identifying potential intra-state links, and finding funding solutions for related projects.
• NABARD Funding:
• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) provides financial support for irrigation projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), through the Long-Term Irrigation Fund.

Wainganga River:

• Source: Originates from the Mahadeo Hills in Madhya Pradesh.
• After the Wainganga merges with the Wardha River, it is known as Pranhita River.
• The Pranhita River and its major branches—Wainganga, Wardha, and Penganga—collectively form the largest tributary system of the Godavari River.
• Riparian States: The Wainganga River flows through Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Telangana.

Nalganga River:

• Nalganga is a left-bank tributary of the Purna River.
• The Purna River itself is a tributary of the Tapi River, joining from the left bank.

All about Interlinking of Rivers (IRL) in India

The Indian Rivers Inter-link is an ambitious civil engineering project designed to address water management challenges by creating a network of reservoirs and canals to link India's rivers. The project aims to:

• Enhance irrigation and groundwater recharge.
• Reduce floods in some areas and mitigate droughts in others.
• Address the uneven distribution of water across regions and seasons in India.

Rationale for River Linking

India has about 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of the global water resources. Despite receiving around 4,000 billion cubic meters of rainfall annually, the distribution is highly uneven. India faces:

• Intense monsoons during the June to September period, which often cause flooding.
• Water shortages in other months due to seasonal variations.
• Geographical disparities in water availability: northern Indo-Gangetic plains face floods, while the southern Peninsular states often experience drought.

The Indo-Gangetic rivers are fed by both rain and Himalayan glaciers, making them perennial. In contrast, the peninsular rivers are largely seasonal, relying on rainfall. The IRL project seeks to divert excess water from the flood-prone Indo-Gangetic plains to the drought-stricken Peninsular regions, creating a more balanced water distribution system.

Key Objectives

• Water security through better distribution of resources.
• Flood control in flood-prone regions.
• Drought mitigation in water-scarce regions.
• Increased irrigation potential, benefiting 35 million hectares of agricultural land.
• Hydropower generation (estimated at 34,000 MW).
• Improved inland water transport and infrastructure development.
• Support for fish farming and rural livelihoods.

History of the IRL Concept

• 1919: Sir Arthur Cotton, Chief Engineer of Madras, first proposed linking rivers.
• 1960: Minister KL Rao revived the idea with a proposal to link the Ganga and Cauvery rivers.
• 1982: Prime Minister Indira Gandhi established the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) to study the feasibility of river linking.
• 2002: The Supreme Court asked the government to create a plan for river linking by 2003, with the goal of completing it by 2016. However, inter-state disputes, environmental concerns, and political changes delayed progress.
• 2014: The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project received Cabinet approval.
• 2015: The linking of the Godavari and Krishna rivers was completed.
• 2021: Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh signed an agreement to move forward with the Ken-Betwa project.

The National River Linking Project (NRLP)

The NRLP is split into three components:

• Himalayan Rivers Component (14 links identified).
• Peninsular Rivers Component (16 links identified).
• Intrastate Rivers Linking Component (37 links identified starting in 2005).

The project is managed by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It involves detailed feasibility studies and aims to interlink surplus rivers with deficient ones, transferring excess water to areas in need.

Himalayan Rivers Development Component

The Himalayan Rivers Development Component of India's National River Linking Project (NRLP) is a crucial part of the plan, aiming to utilize the vast water resources of the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems for irrigation, hydro-power generation, flood control, and water supply in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin and beyond.

Key Objectives and Benefits

• Storage Reservoirs: The component involves constructing large storage reservoirs on the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries in India and Nepal to:
• Conserve monsoon flows for irrigation and hydro-power generation.
• Aid in flood control, particularly in the flood-prone regions of northern India and Bangladesh.
• Water Transfer: The surplus flows from rivers like Kosi, Gandak, and Ghagra will be transferred westward. A crucial link will be the Brahmaputra-Ganga link, which will enhance the dry-season flow of the Ganga, providing additional water for Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
• Irrigation: An additional 14 million hectare meters (Mha-m) of water would be made available, with the potential to irrigate around 22 million hectares of land in the Ganga-Brahmaputra basin, including the dry areas of northern and western India.
• Navigation: The project will enable the use of rivers for inland navigation, providing 1,120 cumec of water to support navigation in areas like Calcutta Port and across the country.
• Flood Moderation: It will also significantly reduce the risks of floods in the Ganga-Brahmaputra system, which has been prone to frequent and destructive floods.
• Cross-Border Benefits: The Himalayan component will benefit not only India but also its neighboring countries, Nepal and Bangladesh, through improved flood control and water sharing.

Key Links Under Consideration

Fourteen inter-links are being considered under the Himalayan component:

• Ghaghara–Yamuna link (Feasibility study complete)
• Sarda–Yamuna link (Feasibility study complete)
• Yamuna–Rajasthan link
• Rajasthan–Sabarmati link
• Kosi–Ghaghara link
• Kosi–Mechi link
• Manas–Sankosh–Tista–Ganga link
• Jogighopa–Tista–Farakka link
• Ganga–Damodar–Subernarekha link
• Subernarekha–Mahanadi link
• Farakka–Sunderbans link
• Gandak–Ganga link
• Chunar–Sone Barrage link
• Sone Dam–Southern Tributaries of Ganga link

Peninsular Rivers Development Component

The Peninsular Rivers Development is a key part of India's National River Linking Project (NRLP). The central idea is to create a Southern Water Grid by linking major rivers in peninsular India, including the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, and Cauvery rivers. The surplus water from rivers like the Mahanadi and Godavari will be diverted to water-scarce regions fed by the Krishna, Pennar, Cauvery, and Vaigai rivers. This project aims to improve irrigation, address droughts, and enhance water supply for southern and western India.

Key Objectives and Benefits

• Irrigation Expansion: The project is expected to provide additional irrigation to over 13 million hectares, enhancing agricultural productivity across peninsular India.
• Water Transfer: The Southern Water Grid will allow the transfer of surplus water from the Mahanadi and Godavari basins to the water-deficient basins of the Krishna, Pennar, and Cauvery.
• Flood Control: The project will help reduce the impact of floods in surplus areas and prevent droughts in water-scarce regions.
• Power Generation: Several water storage structures will serve both irrigation and power needs, contributing to hydroelectric power generation.

Components of the Peninsular Rivers Development

The peninsular component consists of four major parts:

• Diversion of surplus flows from the Mahanadi and Godavari rivers to the Krishna, Pennar, Cauvery, and Vaigai rivers.
• Diversion of west-flowing rivers from Kerala and Karnataka towards the east.
• Inter-linking of small rivers along the west coast, from north of Mumbai to south of Tapi.
• Inter-linking of the southern tributaries of the Yamuna river.

Key Storage and Diversion Structures

The peninsular component has 13 major water storage and diversion structures across four river basins. Key structures include:

• Non-storage structures: Dowlaiswaram Barrage, Prakasam Barrage, Grand Anicut.
• Irrigation and power structures: Inchampalli, Almatti, Nagarjunasagar, Pulichintala, Krishnarajasagar, Mettur.
• Domestic, irrigation, and power structures: Polavaram, Srisailam, Somasila.

Proposed Links in the Peninsular Component

The peninsular component of the river linking project includes 16 proposed links:

• Mahanadi (Manibhadra)–Godavari (downstream)
• Godavari (Inchampalli)–Krishna (Nagarjunasagar)
• Godavari (Inchampalli Low Dam)–Krishna (Nagarjunasagar Tail Pond)
• Godavari (Polavaram)–Krishna (Vijayawada)
• Krishna (Almatti)–Pennar
• Krishna (Srisailam)–Pennar
• Krishna (Nagarjunasagar)–Pennar (Somasila)
• Pennar (Somasila)–Cauvery (Grand Anicut)
• Cauvery (Kattalai)–Vaigai–Gundar
• Ken–Betwa link
• Parbati–Kalisindh–Chambal link
• Par–Tapi–Narmada link
• Damanganga–Pinjal link
• Bedti–Varda link
• Netravati–Hemavati link
• Pamba–Achankovil–Vaippar link

challenges

The Indian National River Linking Project (NRLP) faces significant challenges, despite its potential benefits. These challenges include technical, environmental, social, political, and international dimensions that could delay or complicate the project's implementation.

1. Project Feasibility

• Cost and Engineering Capacity: The project is estimated to cost around Rs. 5.6 lakh crores (based on 2000 estimates), which translates to a massive financial burden. Furthermore, the construction of large dams, canals, and reservoirs requires immense engineering expertise and manpower.
• Climate Change: A report suggests that climate change could melt about one-third of the glaciers in the Hindu Kush region by 2100, reducing the flow in Himalayan rivers. This raises questions about the long-term viability of interlinking Himalayan rivers, as the availability of "surplus water" could decline, affecting the projected benefits.

2. Environmental Impact

• Ecosystem Disruption: Large-scale alterations in river flow could disturb entire ecosystems, affecting the wildlife, flora, and fauna dependent on these rivers. Many river systems run through national parks and sanctuaries, which could suffer from habitat loss and fragmentation.
• Marine Life: Reduced flow of freshwater into seas could impact marine aquatic life, altering the delicate balance of estuarine ecosystems.
• River Health: Altering river courses and constructing massive storage structures can reduce sediment flow, disrupt aquatic habitats, and lower the resilience of ecosystems to environmental stresses.

3. Social Impact

• Displacement and Resettlement: The construction of large dams and reservoirs would result in the displacement of thousands of people, causing social and economic upheaval. Proper rehabilitation and compensation schemes would be essential, but historically, such efforts have faced challenges in execution.
• Livelihoods at Risk: River-based livelihoods, such as fishing and farming, could be disrupted, leading to economic hardship for affected communities.

4. Flood Control Concerns

• Questionable Effectiveness: While the interlinking of rivers is designed to control floods, past experiences with large dams in India have shown mixed results. For instance, major dams like the Hirakud Dam and Damodar Dam have been linked to increased flooding in states like Odisha and West Bengal, casting doubt on the project's flood control promises.

5. Political Challenges

• Water as a State Subject: In India, water is a state subject, meaning each state has control over its own water resources. Implementing a national river linking project requires inter-state cooperation, which has been difficult to achieve due to conflicting interests and disputes.
• Opposition from States: Several states, including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Sikkim, have opposed the NRLP, citing concerns over water availability, environmental impact, and the possible loss of state sovereignty over water resources.

6. Inter-State Disputes

• Conflicts Over Shared Rivers: Many Indian states are already locked in water disputes over shared rivers, and the NRLP could exacerbate these tensions. The table below highlights some of the major inter-state river disputes:

7. International Disputes

• Impact on Neighboring Countries: The Himalayan component of the NRLP could affect water-sharing agreements with neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. For example, Bangladesh has expressed concerns over India's plans to divert water from the Brahmaputra to the Ganga, fearing reduced water flow into its territory.

8. Maintenance Challenges

• Canal Irrigation: The proposed canal network for water transfer is prone to several issues, including sedimentation, waterlogging, and evaporation losses. Maintaining the canals, ensuring their efficiency, and preventing environmental degradation will be major operational challenges.

Way Forward with Interlinking of Rivers

Integrated water resource management (IWRM) is essential for India, where water scarcity is becoming increasingly critical. To effectively address this issue, a multi-faceted approach that combines both large-scale and localized solutions is necessary.

1. Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)

• Conservation Focus: India needs to emphasize water conservation by implementing measures to reduce wastage and ensure equitable distribution of resources. Every drop of water must be conserved, and initiatives to improve groundwater recharge should be prioritized.
• Local Solutions: Instead of large-scale interlinking projects, more attention should be given to local solutions, such as improving irrigation practices and effective watershed management. Simple, cost-effective measures can yield significant benefits.

2. National Waterways Project (NWP)

• The National Waterways Project should be considered as an alternative to river interlinking. This project can utilize excess floodwaters that otherwise flow into the sea, helping to minimize conflicts between states over water sharing. By focusing on floodwater management, the NWP can alleviate some pressure from existing river systems.

3. Virtual Water Trade

• Adopting the concept of virtual water trade can help India manage its water resources more sustainably. For instance, by importing water-intensive crops like wheat rather than producing them domestically, India can save substantial amounts of local water. This approach allows water resources to be allocated for more critical local needs.

4. Case-by-Case Feasibility

• Each potential river interlinking project should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. This involves conducting thorough feasibility studies that consider the unique hydrological, geological, and environmental conditions of the region. Emphasis should also be placed on addressing federal issues and ensuring inter-state cooperation.

5. Emphasis on Incremental Changes

• Recognizing that “big visions are realized through small steps,” the government should focus on achieving small-scale successes that contribute to larger goals. Initiatives such as community-based water harvesting, local irrigation improvements, and sustainable land management can create a cumulative impact.

6. Detailed Studies and Assessments

• Before embarking on any large-scale interlinking projects, the government must conduct detailed hydrological, geological, meteorological, and environmental analyses. This includes assessing potential impacts on local ecosystems, communities, and water availability. Alternatives to interlinking, such as enhanced groundwater recharge and improved water management practices, should also be explored.

1. Manas-Sankosh-Tista-Ganga (MSTG) Link

• Objective: To transfer surplus water from the Brahmaputra basin (Manas and Sankosh rivers) to augment the flow of the Ganga upstream of Farakka, benefitting regions in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Orissa.
• Key Features:
• High Dams: Proposed dams at Manas (capacity: 8.75 BCM) and Sankosh (capacity: 4.93 BCM) to store water.
• Link Canal: A 114 km canal between Manas and Sankosh with a discharge capacity of 3,725 m³/s. Another 137 km link canal extends from Sankosh to the Teesta barrage with a capacity of 1,092 m³/s.
• Security Concerns: The canal passes through the narrow chicken neck area in West Bengal, near Bangladesh, potentially raising security issues.

2. Ghaghra-Yamuna Link

• Objective: To divert surplus water from the Ghagra River (known as Karnali in Nepal) to the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, enhancing water supply for irrigation and other uses.
• Key Features:
• Chisapani Dam: Proposed height of 175 m, with a downstream regulating dam at 200 m full reservoir level.
• Link Canal: Approximately 417 km long, with depth varying from 8 m at the head to 5 m at the tail. Width varies from 85.5 m to 18 m.

3. Sarda-Yamuna-Rajasthan-Sabarmati Link Canal

• Objective: This comprehensive project combines three links to divert water from the Himalayan rivers to drought-prone areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• Key Features:
• Total Water Diversion: 17,906 MCM (14.52 MAF) planned for diversion.
• Length: The overall length of the link canal is 1,835 km, with 75 km in Gujarat. The project is expected to benefit four states: Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
• Irrigation Potential: Approximately 7.38 lakh hectares (ha) can be irrigated through this link, with 5.35 lakh ha in Rajasthan and 2.03 lakh ha in Gujarat.

4. Yamuna-Rajasthan Link Canal Project

• Objective: To extend the Sarda–Yamuna Link to provide irrigation to drought-prone areas of Haryana and Rajasthan.
• Key Features:
• Water Diversion: 8,657 Mm³ of water from the Sarda basin at Purnagiri.
• Length: 786 km in total, with 196 km in Haryana and 590 km in Rajasthan.

5. Rajasthan-Sabarmati Link Project

• Objective: To divert 5,924 Mm³ of water from the Yamuna-Rajasthan Link to address drought conditions in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
• Key Features:
• Length: About 725 km, with 650 km in Rajasthan and 75 km in Gujarat.
• Irrigation Potential: Expected to irrigate 535,000 ha in Rajasthan.

6. Mahanadi (Manibhadra)-Godavari (Dowlaiswaram) Link

• Objective: To transfer water from the Manibhadra reservoir on the Mahanadi River to the Dowlaiswaram barrage on the Godavari River, enhancing water supply in the Godavari basin.
• Key Features:
• Water Transfer: Specific volume details yet to be outlined, but the link aims to mitigate regional water scarcity.

7. Godavari (Inchampalli)-Krishna (Nagarjunsagar) Link

• Objective: To divert surplus water from the Inchampalli dam on the Godavari to the Nagarjunsagar reservoir on the Krishna.
• Key Features:
• Water Diversion: A total of 16,426 Mm³, with 14,200 Mm³ transferred to Nagarjunsagar.
• Length: Approximately 298.7 km, including a 9 km long tunnel.

8. Inchampalli-Pulichintala Link

• Objective: To divert surplus water from the Godavari River and the Inchampalli Right Bank Canal to enhance irrigation.
• Key Features:
• Water Transfer: Total of 3,901 Mm³, with specific allocations for various canal commands.
• Canal Length: 270 km, including a 25.5 km long tunnel.
• Operation: Proposed to be operated for 240 days a year, with a head discharge of 263 m³/sec.

9. Godavari (Polavaram)-Krishna (Vijaywada) Link

• Objective: To divert water from the Godavari River to the Krishna Delta.
• Key Features:
• Water Diversion: Total of 4,903 Mm³, including allocations for the Krishna delta.
• Length: 174 km with a head discharge of 361 cumec.
• Operation: Expected to operate year-round.

10. Krishna (Srisailam)-Pennar Link

• Objective: To divert water from the Srisailam reservoir to Adinimmayapalli Anicut, facilitating irrigation and water supply.
• Key Features:
• Water Diversion: 2,310 Mm³, with most expected to reach Somasila reservoir.
• Length: 171.30 km, with a design discharge of 186 cumec.
• Operation: To be operated for 180 days a year.

11. Krishna (Nagarjunsagar) – Pennar (Somasila) Link

• Objective: To transfer water from the Nagarjunasagar reservoir to the Pennar River at Somasila for irrigation and other uses.
• Key Features:
• Water Diversion: Total of 12,146 Mm³, with specific allocations for en-route irrigation and Somasila reservoir.
• Length: 394 km, with a design discharge of 555 cumec.
• Operation: To be operated for 240 days a year.

12. Pennar (Somasila) – Cauvery (Grand Anicut) Link

• Objective: To transfer water from the Pennar River to the Cauvery River.
• Key Features:
• Water Diversion: Total of 8,565 Mm³, with allocations for irrigation, domestic use, and Chennai city water supply.
• Length: 538 km, with a design discharge of 616.38 cumec.
• Operation: To operate year-round for continuous supply.

Conclusion:

While the Interlinking of Rivers project holds immense potential to alleviate India's water crises, enhance agricultural productivity, and generate economic benefits, the challenges—ranging from ecological concerns to high financial and social costs—require careful planning, strong governance, and collaborative efforts between states and neighboring countries. Addressing these issues will be key to realizing the project's long-term benefits for water security and sustainable development.