India’s Water Security & River Interlinking Projects (2025)

5️⃣4️⃣ India’s Water Security & River Interlinking Projects (2025) 💧🌊

🔹 Introduction

India’s water security is a critical issue due to population growth, climate change, and over-extraction of groundwater. With 80% of India’s freshwater used for agriculture, the government is focusing on river interlinking, water conservation, and efficient irrigation techniques to manage water scarcity.

The National Water Policy (2025) and Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project are key initiatives to ensure equitable water distribution. However, challenges like groundwater depletion, pollution, and conflicts over river water sharing remain.

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🔹 Key Developments in India’s Water Security (2025)

✅ River Interlinking & Large-Scale Water Transfer Projects 🌊

• Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project nearing completion, aimed at providing water to drought-prone Bundelkhand.
• Daman-Ganga-Pinjal and Par-Tapi-Narmada interlinking projects approved to address water scarcity.
• Focus on balancing flood-prone and drought-prone regions through water redistribution.

✅ Groundwater Management & Rainwater Harvesting 💧

• Atal Bhujal Yojana expanded to recharge depleting groundwater levels.
• Mandatory rainwater harvesting implemented in urban areas.
• Satellite-based groundwater monitoring introduced for real-time data tracking.

✅ Smart Irrigation & Water Use Efficiency 🚜

• Micro-irrigation (drip & sprinkler systems) replacing flood irrigation in water-scarce regions.
• AI-driven water management tools helping farmers optimize water use.
• Government promoting crop diversification to reduce water-intensive farming.

✅ Water Pollution Control & River Conservation 🏞️

• Namami Gange initiative expanded to include other major rivers.
• Strict industrial effluent discharge monitoring introduced under the Clean Rivers Act.
• Bioremediation techniques used for wastewater treatment.

✅ Challenges in India’s Water Security ⚠️

• Inter-state disputes over water-sharing agreements.
• Climate change-induced shifts in monsoon patterns affecting water availability.
• Over-extraction of groundwater leading to severe depletion in urban and agricultural areas.

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📌 Advanced 3-Statement-Based MCQs on India’s Water Security (2025)

1️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s River Interlinking Projects:

1. The Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project is the first project under the National River Linking Plan (NRLP).
2. The main objective of river interlinking is to balance water availability between surplus and deficit regions.
3. The entire National River Linking Plan (NRLP) has been completed and implemented across India.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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2️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding groundwater management in India:

1. The Atal Bhujal Yojana focuses on replenishing groundwater levels through community participation.
2. Rainwater harvesting has been made mandatory in all states to reduce urban water stress.
3. Satellite-based groundwater monitoring has been introduced to track water table fluctuations.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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3️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding water use efficiency in Indian agriculture:

1. Drip and sprinkler irrigation systems are replacing traditional flood irrigation methods in water-scarce areas.
2. AI-powered irrigation tools are being deployed to help farmers optimize water usage.
3. India’s agricultural sector has completely transitioned to water-efficient irrigation practices.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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4️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s Clean Rivers & Water Pollution Control Measures:

1. The Namami Gange initiative has been expanded to cover other major rivers in India.
2. The Clean Rivers Act regulates industrial effluent discharge into water bodies.
3. All major Indian rivers have achieved Class A water quality status under the Clean Rivers Act.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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5️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s water security challenges:

1. Inter-state river water disputes continue to pose challenges in equitable water distribution.
2. Climate change has altered monsoon patterns, leading to erratic rainfall and water shortages.
3. India has become fully water-secure with sufficient supply for all its regions.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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🚀 Conclusion

India’s water security strategy is evolving through river interlinking, groundwater conservation, and smart irrigation, but climate change, interstate disputes, and pollution remain major threats. Strengthening policies, increasing water efficiency, and leveraging technology will be crucial for ensuring long-term water sustainability.