What happened: Government of India updates the status of National Rivers Interlinking Programme (ILR) projects
The Ministry of Jal Shakti reported the status of India’s inter-basin river linking projects under the National Perspective Plan (NPP). The update covers 30 identified Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) projects, with project-wise progress shared in an annexure. The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has been entrusted with the ILR work, and the Ken–Betwa Link Project is highlighted as the only priority link that has moved into implementation stage.
Background and earlier position: NPP identification and components
Government of India formulated the National Perspective Plan (NPP) for Inter-Basin Water Transfer, which identified 30 Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) projects for further appraisal and execution. The ILR projects were identified as: 16 link projects under the Peninsular component14 link projects under the Himalayan componentNWDA’s role is to carry forward the ILR work.
What changed now: Implementation stage for Ken–Betwa and updated project classification
In the current status update, the Ken–Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is described as the only priority link project under the NPP that has entered the implementation stage. The Ken–Betwa Link Project is reported with the following multi-purpose envisaged benefits and cost: Estimated cost: ₹44,605 croreIrrigation: about 11.88 lakh hectaresDrinking water supply: about 62 lakh peopleHydropower: 103 MWSolar power: 27 MWIn addition, the Polavaram Irrigation Project (PIP), which incorporates the Godavari (Polavaram)–Krishna (Vijayawada) link, is classified as a National Project and is executed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Polavaram Project Authority (PPA). The update provides the following envisaged scope and reported central assistance: Irrigation: about 7.2 lakh acresStabilization: 23.5 lakh acres in Godavari and Krishna delta systemsDiversion: 80 TMC of Godavari water to the Krishna basinDrinking and industrial water supply: including supply to VisakhapatnamDomestic water supply: about 28.5 lakh population in 611 villagesHydropower: 960 MWCumulative Central Assistance: ₹20,658 croreSo, within ILR status, only Ken–Betwa is explicitly described as entering implementation stage, while the Godavari–Krishna (Vijayawada) link is treated through the National Project route via Polavaram.