UPSC Notes

Inter-State River Linking Projects

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC frequently asks about major infrastructure projects, water resource management, environmental impact assessments, and the socio-economic implications of such large-scale development, especially concerning federalism and inter-state relations.

Inter-State River Linking Projects are large-scale engineering initiatives aimed at transferring water from water-surplus basins to water-deficit basins to address regional water scarcity, enhance irrigation, and generate hydropower. These projects often involve significant environmental and social considerations due to their scale and potential impact.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Primary Objective

Address water scarcity, enhance irrigation, generate hydropower, and mitigate floods/droughts.

Key Example

Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is the first project under the National Perspective Plan.

Major Challenges

Environmental impact (deforestation, biodiversity loss), social displacement, inter-state water disputes, and financial viability.

Implementing Body

National Water Development Agency (NWDA) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaWater Resources Management
Conceptual areaEnvironmental Impact Assessment
Conceptual areaInfrastructure Development

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
National Water Development Agency (NWDA)Implements
Ministry of Jal ShaktiOversees
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Policy measures

Quick revision

  • Aims to transfer water from surplus to deficit basins.
  • Ken-Betwa is the first project under the National Perspective Plan.
  • Involves environmental, social, and inter-state challenges.
  • Managed by NWDA under Ministry of Jal Shakti.
  • Impacts on biodiversity (e.g., Panna Tiger Reserve) are a major concern.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Water Resources ManagementEnvironmental Impact AssessmentInfrastructure Development

Activist on hunger strike over Ken-Betwa river link project ends fast after 18 days

24 Jul 2026 · Inter-State River Linking Projects aim to redistribute water resources across India, with the Ken-Betwa project being a prominent example. While promising water security and development, they face significant challenges related to environmental conservation, tribal displacement, and inter-state cooperation.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Inter-State River Linking Projects in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.