River Interlinking and challenges

Source: This post on River Interlinking and challenges has been created based on article “The right to food and the struggle with the PDS” published in The Hindu on 9^th January 2025.

UPSC Syllabus-GS 3- Environment

Context: The article critically examines India’s ambitious river interlinking project, with a focus on the Ken-Betwa River Link Project recently initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Framed as a solution to water scarcity, particularly in drought-prone areas like Bundelkhand, the project entails linking supposedly surplus rivers with deficient ones. However, the article argues that such interventions are environmentally, socially, and economically disastrous, disregarding the complex ecological systems and the critical functions of free-flowing rivers.

What is the Ken-Betwa River Link Project?

1. The Ken-Betwa River Link Project, inaugurated on December 25, 2024, aims to address water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
2. The project involves linking the water-surplus Ken River with the drought-affected Betwa River and includes constructing a dam within the Panna Tiger Reserve, raising concerns about environmental submergence.

Why is the River Interlinking Model Criticized?

1. Flawed Premises: The project, costing around ₹45,000 crore, was launched despite objections from experts and the Supreme Court’s empowered committee. It circumvents stringent laws regulating hydroelectric projects.
2. Historical Context: Initially proposed 130 years ago by Sir Arthur Cotton and refined by engineers like M. Visvesvaraya, the concept has been periodically revived, most recently as the River-Interlinking Project (ILR) under India’s National Perspective Plan.
3. Economic and Social Costs: The estimated cost of ₹5.5 lakh crore does not account for social, environmental, and operational costs, ultimately burdening taxpayers.
4. Environmental Impact: River interlinking disregards natural hydrographic systems and poses a risk to ecological balance, potentially exacerbated by climate change.

What Are the Environmental Services of Rivers?

1. Silt and Delta Formation: Rivers transport silt to coastal waters, forming deltas critical for biodiversity and land fertility.
2. Flood Waters: These replenish minerals, recharge groundwater, and sustain ecosystems.
3. Deltaic Ecosystems: Diverting river water starves deltas, disrupting their balance with seawater and harming ecosystems.

Are There Global Examples of Similar Failures?

Yes, examples highlight the risks of large-scale river manipulation:

1. Indus Delta: Once rich in biodiversity, it deteriorated due to barrage construction initiated by the British and continued by Pakistan.
2. Kissimmee River, Florida: Channelisation in the 1950s led to wetland loss, requiring expensive restoration efforts.
3. Aral Sea: Excessive irrigation projects turned one of the world’s largest lakes into a desert under Soviet policies.

What Is the Real Cause of India’s Water Crisis?

India’s water crisis stems from:

1. Inadequate Management: Poor water governance and lack of clarity in laws.
2. Corruption: Mismanagement of water-related resources and projects.
3. Policy Shortcomings: Limited focus on watershed management, inefficient irrigation, and wastewater reuse.

What Are Potential Solutions for India’s Water Crisis?

1. Modern Irrigation: Learning from Israel’s drip irrigation, which saves 25%-75% of water, reducing dependency on aquifers.
2. Local Involvement: Empower citizens to monitor water systems and work with hydrologists, engineers, and biologists.
3. Aquifer Management: Regulate water extraction and maintain aquifer health.
4. Watershed Strategies: Incorporate vernacular practices for sustainable water management.

How Does River Interlinking Contradict India’s Religious Beliefs?

Despite the Hindu reverence for rivers, India’s rivers face existential threats due to:

1. Over-Damming: Excessive dam construction disrupting river ecosystems.
2. Pollution: Industrial and human waste degrading river health.
3. Commercialization: Treating rivers as commodities for religious or economic purposes.