India’s ambitious river interlinking programme aimed at addressing water scarcity, drought and floods is hampered by delays, incomplete studies, and ongoing disputes between states, a parliamentary committee has found.
The Standing Committee on Water Resources, in its seventh report on government action, noted that while pre-feasibility studies have been completed for all 30 projects identified under the National Perspective Plan, feasibility reports exist for 24, and detailed project reports (DPRs) have been prepared for only 11.
So far, only the Ken-Betwa link project is under implementation, with a target completion date set for March 2030. Five links, including Ken-Betwa, the Godavari-Cauvery link (comprising three sub-links), and the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link, have been prioritised.
Despite an allocation of Rs 4,000 crore in 2024-25 for land acquisition, rehabilitation and state reimbursements, consensus between states “remains a persistent obstacle,” the committee stated, highlighting that “numerous meetings” have failed to fully resolve concerns.
The panel urged the Ministry of Jal Shakti to undertake comprehensive socio-economic, environmental and ecological benefit studies before completing DPRs for additional projects. Such studies, it argued, would help secure state cooperation and accelerate project implementation.
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“The Committee, would therefore, reiterate their recommendation and again urge the department to conduct more studies evaluating the benefits of the projects, thereby enhancing awareness amongst the states concerned and expediting implementation of link projects under the programme,” the report said.
Concerns were also raised about under-utilisation of funds under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP), which saw its budget cut by 55.5 per cent at the revised estimates stage in 2023-24 due to insufficient state proposals.
The committee noted that thirty flood-related projects from earlier plans remain incomplete. It called for a “more intense and dedicated approach” to ensure timely delivery, especially in border states vulnerable to severe flooding.
On floodplain encroachments, the panel said draft technical zoning guidelines circulated to states in 2024 have yet to be finalised. It pressed for swift approval and strict enforcement to prevent unregulated construction that exacerbates flood damage.
Dam safety also featured as a significant issue. The National Dam Safety Authority has filled only 32 of its 85 sanctioned posts, with state dam safety bodies facing similar manpower shortages.
The committee has directed the Ministry of Jal Shakti to submit a report within three months detailing progress on filling manpower gaps, completion of studies and enforcement of guidelines.
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