ABSTRACT
Interlinking of rivers (ILR) is not simply a scheme to connect rivers by canals. It is a complicated system to connect high-discharge, fast-flowing Himalayan rivers with the seasonal rivers of peninsular India, transferring large quantities of water between river basins. The main aim of the mega-project, as stated in the National Water Policy of 2002 (GoI, 2002)1 and reiterated frequently by many national leaders of India, is to transfer surplus water from flood-prone river basins to deficit river basins to solve flood and drought problems at the same time. This aim has been frequently repeated by former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in his doubtless well intentioned but untiring promotion of ILR.
