Interlinking of Rivers Project
The Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) Project in India is an ambitious proposal aimed at connecting rivers across different regions of the country through a network of canals, reservoirs, and diversion channels. The primary objective of the project is to address water scarcity, floods, and uneven distribution of water resources by transferring surplus water from water-rich regions to water-deficient areas. The ILR Project consists of two main components: the Peninsular Rivers Development Component and the Himalayan Rivers Development Component.
Proponents argue that the project could improve irrigation, provide hydroelectric power generation opportunities, and mitigate the impacts of droughts and floods. However, the ILR Project also faces significant challenges, including environmental concerns, displacement of communities, interstate water disputes, financial feasibility, and technical complexities. The implementation of the ILR Project remains a subject of debate and discussion, with proponents advocating for careful planning, environmental safeguards, and stakeholder consultations to ensure sustainable water management practices.
Interlinking of Rivers- National River Linking Project
An Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) project joins two or more rivers by building reservoirs and canals, helping move river water to areas that might not easily access it. It’s a big program for the Government of India aimed at making water distribution fairer by providing more water in places prone to droughts and areas reliant on rainfall.
This topic of ‘Interlinking of Rivers’ is significant for the UPSC IAS Examination, covered in General Studies Paper 1 (Mains) and General Studies Paper 1 (Preliminary), especially in the Geography section.
In this article, we will study the Interlinking of Rivers in great detail.