Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming a reality in the country. Discuss the…

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Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming a reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

River linking promises irrigation, drinking water, flood moderation and hydropower, but it risks submerged forests, starved deltas and disturbed river ecology. The Ken-Betwa project shows both sides: 10.62 lakh hectares of irrigation against about 9,000 hectares submerged, much of it in Panna Tiger Reserve.

**Introduction**

Framed in the National Perspective Plan of 1980, river linking became a reality when the Ken-Betwa Link Project was approved in 2021 and its foundation stone laid in December 2024. Its gains must be weighed against its ecological cost.

**Advantages of River Linking**

SKETCH: comparison | Two components of the National Perspective Plan
a: Himalayan component
b: Peninsular component
- 14 links :: 16 links
- Ganga-Brahmaputra surplus :: Mahanadi-Godavari surplus
- Storage in Nepal, Bhutan :: Storage within India
- Flood moderation focus :: Drought-proofing focus

1. **Irrigation and food security**: The National Water Development Agency estimates about 35 million hectares of extra irrigation, and Ken-Betwa alone targets 10.62 lakh hectares in drought-prone Bundelkhand.
2. **Drinking water**: Ken-Betwa plans water for about 62 lakh people, and the Pattiseema lift scheme (2015) already carries Godavari water to the Krishna delta.
3. **Flood moderation and power**: Diverting monsoon surplus can ease floods in Bihar and Assam, and the plan foresees about 34,000 MW of hydropower.

**Possible Impact on the Environment**

1. **Forest and wildlife loss**: The Daudhan dam will submerge about 9,000 hectares, much of it in Panna Tiger Reserve, and fell an estimated 23 lakh trees.
2. **Starved deltas**: Lower downstream flow and trapped sediment can shrink deltas, push salinity inland and weaken mangroves such as the Sundarbans.
3. **Altered river ecology**: Mixing basins can transfer species and pollutants and threaten the gharial habitat on the Ken.
4. **Climate risk**: A 2023 IIT Bombay study in Nature Communications warned that large transfers could weaken September rainfall in dry regions.

**Conclusion**

River linking can drought-proof regions like Bundelkhand if it proceeds link by link, with environmental flow assessments and fair rehabilitation, so that water security and SDG 15 advance together.

Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming a reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment.

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