The Feasibility Reports (FRs) for 26 links and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 13 links have been completed out of 30 identified interlinking of rivers (ILR) projects under the National Perspective Plan (NPP). Further, under the NPP, no interlinking of rivers project pertains to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ken–Betwa Link Project is the only priority link that has entered the implementation stage. It has an estimated cost of Rs 44,605 crore, with Rs 39,317 crore of central support. The Polavaram Irrigation Project (PIP), which includes the Godavari (Polavaram)–Krishna (Vijayawada) link, has received cumulative Central Assistance of Rs 20,658 crore.
The North Koel Reservoir Project is an inter State major irrigation project with its command area spread across the States of Bihar and Jharkhand. The approved cost of the project is Rs 2,430.76 crore, including a central share of Rs 1,836.41 crore. The revised completion time of the project is June 2026. The irrigation potential of said project is 1,14,021 hectares.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is undertaken for every interlinking of rivers project during the preparation of FR and DPR to assess environmental and social economic impacts, including those on riparian communities. Statutory environmental and wildlife clearances are obtained as required under prevailing laws. After participating States sign implementation agreements, proposals are submitted for appraisal and consideration of central support. The Cost sharing arrangements between the Centre and States are not uniform and are determined individually for each project.
To ensure transparency, ecological sustainability and equitable water distribution, the ILR programme is guided by strong institutional mechanisms such as the Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers (SCILR), the Governing Body of National Water Development Agency (NWDA) and the Task Force for Interlinking of Rivers (TFILR). These platforms enable States to review technical, environmental, social and water sharing aspects. All NWDA study reports are shared with States for comments, which are duly incorporated.
