Current Status of National River Linking Program

National River Linking Program (NRLP) Overview

1. National Perspective Plan (NPP):

   • Developed for inter-basin water transfer.
   • Encompasses 30 river linking projects (ILR):
     • 16 in the Peninsular component.
     • 14 in the Himalayan component.
   • Implemented by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA).

2. Key Projects:

   • Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP):
     • Cost: ₹44,605 crore.
     • Irrigation: Covers 11.88 lakh hectares.
     • Drinking Water Supply: Serves ~62 lakh people.
     • Hydropower Generation: 103 MW hydroelectric and 27 MW solar power.
     • Currently in implementation phase.
   • Polavaram Irrigation Project (PIP):
     • Classified as a National Project.
     • Managed by the Andhra Pradesh government and Polavaram Project Authority (PPA).
     • Irrigation: Approximately 7.2 lakh acres.
     • Water Supply: Domestic water supply for ~28.5 lakh people in 611 villages.
     • Hydropower Generation: 960 MW.
     • Received ₹20,658 crore in cumulative central assistance.

3. Environmental and Social Assessments:

   • Feasibility Reports (FR) and Detailed Project Reports (DPR) include environmental and socio-economic impact assessments.
   • Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Integrated Landscape Management Plan (ILMP) for KBLP.

4. Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation:

   • Projects include provisions for land acquisition, rehabilitation, and resettlement (R&R).
   • Execution adheres to environmental, forest approvals, and R&R provisions.

5. Current Status of Selected Projects (Peninsular Component):

   • Various projects have completed feasibility and DPR phases.
   • Notable links include:
     • Godavari (Polavaram) - Krishna (Vijayawada) link.
     • Krishna to Penna links.
     • Various inter-state links involving Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.

6. Himalayan Component Projects:

   • Several projects including:
     • Koshi-Ghaghar link (Bihar and Uttar Pradesh).
     • Gandak-Ganga link (Uttar Pradesh and Nepal).
     • Sarada-Yamuna link (Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand).
   • Most projects have completed feasibility reports.

7. International Dimensions:

   • Koshi-Mechi link was withdrawn due to international implications and requests from the Bihar state government.

Economic and Environmental Considerations

• The projects aim to enhance irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydropower generation.
• Environmental assessments are crucial for sustainable execution, ensuring biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.

Conclusion

The National River Linking Program is a significant initiative aimed at addressing water scarcity, enhancing irrigation potential, and promoting sustainable development across various states in India. The focus on environmental assessments and social impact highlights the government's commitment to responsible project execution.