River-linking is presented as a way to address water shortages and inter-State disputes. Unresolved disputes, ecological risks and local opposition limit this approach. India must first conserve water and improve demand-side management.

Status of Existing Inter-State Water Disputes

  1. Tamil Nadu sought a tribunal in November 2019 over Karnataka’s alleged breach of the 1892 agreement on the Pennaiyar river.
  2. The Supreme Court directed the Centre to form a tribunal in February 2026. The Centre has not yet constituted it.
  3. The Centre proposed referring Pennaiyar to the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal. The Interstate River Water Disputes Act, 1956 does not permit this route.
  4. The Centre has also not replied to Tamil Nadu’s March request for a tribunal on Karnataka’s Mekedatu dam project.

Limitations and Risks of River-Linking Projects

  1. Proponents propose transferring surplus water without disturbing natural river flows. The National Water Development Agency also says links can improve lean-season flows.
  2. Experts question the surplus-water claim. Recipient regions may seek water during droughts and reduce the share available to original users.
  3. Kerala opposes the Pamba-Achankovil-Vaippar link. The State says it could affect the Vembanad wetland system.
  4. India has completed only a handful of inter-basin transfers in more than 130 years. The Mullaperiyar, Parambikulam-Aliyar, Krishna Water Supply and Indira Gandhi Canal projects are notable examples.

Implementation Constraints and Social Opposition

  1. The Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers, formed in 2014, has held over two dozen meetings. It has made little progress.
  2. The ₹44,000 crore Ken-Betwa Link Project has triggered tribal protests in Chhatarpur.
  3. Land scarcity and resistance to acquisition make new mega-irrigation projects harder to implement.

Demand-Side Water Management Priorities

  1. Water conservation: Governments and civil society must conserve available water and use it judiciously.
  2. Efficient irrigation: Farmers need incentives and awareness to improve water use.
  3. Groundwater regulation: States must curb indiscriminate extraction, which free agricultural electricity can encourage.

Conclusion

River-linking cannot replace timely dispute resolution, water conservation and demand management. These measures offer a more durable basis for water security.

Mains Angle

GS-II: Federalism and inter-State relations. GS-III: Water conservation and environmental impact. Practice question: Why can river-linking not replace demand-side water management in India?