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3 September 2026

River-linking and water sharing issues

River-linking projects like Ken-Betwa are major national infrastructure policies that directly impact water security, irrigation, and federal water-sharing disputes, making them highly relevant for UPSC Mains.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • River-linking is proposed as a solution to water scarcity, with claims that it could ensure water security for 100 years.
  • Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 governs the adjudication of water sharing disputes.
  • Challenges in inter-basin transfer include ecological impacts, potential for increased regional conflict over water quotas, and land acquisition difficulties.
  • Existing inter-basin transfer projects include the Mullaperiyar dam, Parambikulam-Aliyar project, Krishna Water Supply Project, and Indira Gandhi Canal Project.
  • The Ken-Betwa Link Project, with an outlay of ₹44,000 crore, is a major ongoing initiative.
  • The National Water Development Agency is the body responsible for planning water flow improvements.
  • Expert consensus suggests shifting focus from supply-side mega-projects to demand-side management, including groundwater conservation and incentivizing efficient agricultural water use.

Questions

  1. Critically examine the challenges associated with inter-basin water transfer projects in India, particularly regarding federal cooperation and ecological sustainability. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Discuss the limitations of supply-side interventions in addressing India's water crisis. To what extent can demand-side management and judicial mechanisms under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, provide a more sustainable framework for water governance? 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which legislation provides the primary legal framework for the adjudication of inter-State river water disputes in India?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-09-03/river-linking-and-water-sharing-issues