The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multidimensional interrelated problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.

Interlinking of river projects as under National River Linking project aspires to transfer water from water surplus regions to water deficient regions by linking rivers through a network of canals, barrages and reservoirs. First proposed in 1980, it is touted as a solution to problems of floods, droughts and internal navigation.

Benefits of river interlinking:

1. Power generation: Total 34 GW, will reduce dependence on coal.

2. Seamless network of internal navigation connecting the hinterlands to mainland.

3. Flood and drought Control via basin transfer of water from surplus to deficient regions.

4. Solution to water crisis- a problem plaguing over 58% of India

5. Irrigation benefits: to 35 million hectares of water deficit peninsular and western regions.

6. Diversify income via fisheries.

7. Ecological benefits like groundwater recharge, filtration.

Concerns associated with the project:

1. Very high project costs: approximately 5 lakh crores.

2. Social impact: displacement of people, rehabilitation and compensation.

3. Political conflicts due to water being in the state list of 7thschedule and lack of state level consensus.

4. International disputes with neighbours like Bangladesh, Nepal.

5. Issues with maintenance of canals- sedimentation.

6. Environmental impact: project will require Submergence/Divergence of forests and agricultural lands-habitat loss to fauna as well as environmental degradation.

Ken Betwa river link threatens to submerge 25% of Panna TR. It is thus imperative that local solutions like the Aahar-Pyne model be focused upon, in addition to watershed management and rainwater harvesting.

The river linking project provides a unique opportunity to meet the challenge of floods, droughts and Interrupted navigation, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Thus, it requires careful deliberation and case by case consideration.