Out of the 30 identified link projects under the National Perspective Plan (NPP), the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has completed Pre-Feasibility Reports (PFRs) for all 30 links, Feasibility Reports (FRs) for 26 links, and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 13 links.
Status of Implementation of Link Projects:
The Godavari (Polavaram)–Krishna (Vijayawada) Link Project forms part of the Peninsular Component of the National Perspective Plan (1980). This link was subsequently taken over by the State of Andhra Pradesh under the Indirasagar Polavaram Project. Following the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the project came under the jurisdiction of the Polavaram Project Authority as part of the Polavaram Irrigation National Project, declared under the Andhra Pradesh Re-organization Act, 2014. Water connectivity in the link canal has since been established.
Further, five links under the NPP have been designated as priority projects, namely:
- Ken–Betwa Link Project (KBLP)
- Modified Parbati–Kalisindh–Chambal (PKC) Link Project
- Godavari–Cauvery Link Project, comprising three sub-links:
a) Godavari (Inchampalli) – Krishna (Nagarjunasagar)
b) Krishna (Nagarjunasagar) – Pennar (Somasila)
c) Pennar (Somasila) – Cauvery (Grand Anicut)
Status of the Priority Link Project:
Ken–Betwa Link Project (KBLP) Project:
The Ken–Betwa Link Project is the only priority project under the NPP that has entered the implementation stage. The project has an estimated cost of Rs 44,605 crore, with Rs 39,317 crore of central support through a Special Purpose Vehicle, the Ken–Betwa Link Project Authority (KBLPA). Initial activities focus on land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation (R&R), and implementation of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The project is scheduled to be completed by 2030, and work on its main component, the Daudhan Dam, has already been awarded.
Modified Parbati–Kalisindh–Chambal (Modified PKC) Link Project:
To optimize utilization of the Chambal River System, integration of the ERCP with the PKC link project was studied, leading to the formulation of the Modified PKC Link Project, which was subsequently declared a priority project under NPP by the Special Committee on Interlinking of Rivers (SCILR).
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for preparation of the DPR was signed by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan with the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), Government of India. A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for implementation was signed by the Hon’ble Chief Ministers of the concerned States and the Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti. DPRs of the Rajasthan components have been uploaded on the e-PAMS Portal for appraisal by the Central Water Commission (CWC).
Godavari–Cauvery Link Project:
After preparation of DPRs of three link projects under this link project and continuous deliberations with party States, a proposal of transfer of about 4189 MCM from Godavari along with combining the proposal for supplementation in Krishna basin through Bedti-Varda link was framed as an interim arrangement. Technical Feasibility Report (TFR), Draft DPR and a draft MoA for implementation of this proposal have been prepared by NWDA and circulated to concerned States.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is conducted for each river interlinking project during the formulation of Feasibility Reports (FRs) and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). The study aims to systematically evaluate the project’s potential positive and adverse effects on the physical, biological, and socio-economic environment, ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into the planning and decision-making processes.
With respect to the Ken–Betwa Link Project (KBLP), the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been completed, and Environmental Clearance has been granted. Regarding KBLP, an Integrated Landscape Management Plan (ILMP) has been formulated to enhance habitat quality, maintain critical wildlife corridors connecting adjacent Protected Areas (PAs), and facilitate the holistic conservation and management of flagship species such as tigers, vultures, and gharials. The ILMP also aims to promote biodiversity conservation within the Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) and its surrounding ecologically sensitive zones.
To ensure systematic and time-bound implementation of the ILMP, a Greater Panna Landscape Council (GPLC) has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh. For construction of Daudhan Dam, land acquisition is taken up by the State Government of Madhya Pradesh under Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLAR Act, 2013). At the time of Section 11 Notification, approximately 7193 families were estimated to be project affected. Government of Madhya Pradesh has approved a special Rehabilitation & Resettlement package.
Regarding, the Polavaram Irrigation Project (PIP), which also encompasses the Godavari (Polavaram) – Krishna (Vijayawada) link project is being implemented in the State of Andhra Pradesh and has been receiving financial support from the Government of India. The cumulative Central Assistance/financial support extended to the State of Andhra Pradesh for the Polavaram Irrigation Project stands at Rs 20,658 crore till date.
Regarding Ken Betwa Link project, out of the budgetary provision of Rs 4469.41 crore, the actual expenditure for the KBLP over the last three financial years amounts to Rs 3969.79 crore.
The cooperation of States is paramount in the implementation of Interlinking of Rivers projects. The consensus building amongst states is the most challenging task that leads to delay in the implementation of ILR projects including inter-state issues, land acquisition or statutory clearances. States have apprehensions related to allocation of water and effect of ILR on their existing irrigation and power requirements. Some projects have international dimensions and need cooperation from neighboring countries.
Inter-State cooperation is fundamental to the ILR programme. To ensure coordinated implementation, the Government of India is actively engaged in consensus-building with concerned States, adopting a consultative approach that addresses their views, concerns, and apprehensions. All study reports including PFRs, FRs and DPRs – prepared by the NWDA are shared with State Governments for feedback, which is duly incorporated.
