STATUS OF NATIONAL RIVERS INTERLINKING PROGRAMME

The Ministry of Jal Shakti’s status note on the National Rivers Interlinking Programme (NRIP) outlines that 30 interlinking projects (16 Peninsular, 14 Himalayan) have been identified under the National Perspective Plan. The National Water Development Agency is responsible for implementation. The Ken‑Betwa Link Project is the only priority link currently under construction, with an estimated cost of ₹44,605 crore, targeting irrigation of 11.88 lakh ha, drinking water for 62 lakh people, 103 MW hydro‑power and 27 MW solar power. The Polavaram Irrigation Project, a national project, seeks to irrigate 7.2 lakh acres, divert 80 TMC of Godavari water to the Krishna basin, and generate 960 MW of power, having received ₹20,658 crore in central assistance. Feasibility reports are completed for most Peninsular links, while several Himalayan links have feasibility or pre‑feasibility reports completed. Environmental Impact Assessments and land‑acquisition/R&R provisions are incorporated for all projects.