RIVER INTERLINKING IN INDIA: DREAM, DILEMMA OR DISASTER?

India faces a dual challenge of water abundance and water scarcity due to the uneven distribution of rainfall and the seasonal nature of its river systems. While floods ravage some areas during the monsoon season, other regions face persistent drought. In this context, the idea of river interlinking has been proposed as a potential long-term solution to redistribute water across different basins. The river interlinking project in India aims to connect surplus rivers to deficit regions through a network of canals, reservoirs, and pipelines. This paper explores the conceptual foundation, historical background, and scholarly perspectives on the river interlinking initiative. It presents a detailed review of literature from engineering, environmental, legal, and socio-economic standpoints. The paper emphasizes that although the interlinking of rivers holds the promise of enhancing irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power, it also raises significant concerns related to ecological degradation, displacement of people, and interstate disputes. A balanced and evidence-based assessment is necessary to ensure that these projects align with India’s developmental and environmental goals.