🔆 River-Linking Is Not the Solution
📍 Why in News?
🟢 The debate over the inter-linking of rivers has resurfaced amid unresolved inter-State water disputes, including the Pennaiyar and Mekedatu issues.
📍 Why River-Linking Is Problematic
🟢 Rivers are complex ecological systems; diversion can disrupt their natural flow.
🟢 Water-surplus regions today may face scarcity in the future, while original beneficiaries can be deprived.
🟢 Projects may cause ecological damage, displacement, land acquisition challenges and inter-State disputes.
🟢 Only a handful of inter-basin transfer projects have succeeded in over 130 years.
📍 Examples
🟢 Parambikulam–Aliyar Project, Indira Gandhi Canal Project and Mullaperiyar Dam are examples of inter-basin water transfers.
🟢 However, proposed projects such as Pamba–Achankovil–Vaippar Link face strong ecological concerns.
📍 Way Forward
🟢 Focus on demand-side water management instead of perpetual supply-side interventions.
🟢 Prioritise water conservation and efficient utilisation.
🟢 Sensitise and incentivise farmers for optimal water use.
🟢 Curb indiscriminate groundwater extraction, supported by free electricity.
🟢 Make ecological sustainability and water conservation central to water governance.
#Environment
September 5, 2026 141 2
