River Interlinking

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The editorial critiques the environmental and social consequences of India’s river interlinking projects, emphasizing their ecological unsustainability and flawed assumptions.

The article critiques the Ken-Betwa River Link Project, launched in December 2024, highlighting concerns about its impact on ecosystems like the Panna Tiger Reserve. The project, costing ₹45,000 crore, proposes inter-basin water transfers to address water scarcity in drought-prone areas. Despite objections by experts, the project bypasses strict environmental laws, emphasizing hydrological engineering as a solution to water-related problems.

The concept of inter-basin transfer, dating back over 130 years, emerged as the "National Water Grid" in 1970 but has faced criticism for its oversimplified arithmetic of transferring "surplus" river water. Flushing river water into the sea as "wastage" undermines its ecological roles, such as supporting biodiversity, soil fertility, and groundwater recharge.

The editorial underscores the global failure of river channelization projects, like Florida’s Kissimmee River, which destroyed wetlands, and the Aral Sea’s devastation due to water diversions. Climate change and reduced rainfall further aggravate these issues.

India’s water crisis stems from poor management, pollution, and inefficient usage rather than a lack of water resources. Sustainable solutions should focus on decentralized water management, improving irrigation efficiency, and promoting innovative conservation methods. The piece advocates for a comprehensive, community-driven approach rather than large-scale engineering solutions that risk irreparable ecological damage.