Netravathi-Hemavathi River Linking Project Declared Unfeasible by C R Patil
The ambitious proposal to link the Netravathi and Hemavathi rivers in Karnataka has been officially deemed unfeasible by C R Patil, highlighting a significant setback for regional water management plans. This announcement comes despite the completion of a pre-feasibility report over three decades ago, which has seen no follow-up studies or progress since its initial assessment in 1994.
Historical Context and Lack of Progress
The river linking project, which aimed to address water scarcity and distribution issues in Karnataka, has remained stagnant for nearly 30 years. The pre-feasibility report, finalized in 1994, provided preliminary insights into the potential benefits and challenges of connecting these two major rivers. However, authorities have not undertaken any subsequent detailed studies, environmental impact assessments, or technical evaluations to advance the project beyond this early stage.
C R Patil's statement underscores the project's current status as impractical, citing unresolved logistical, environmental, and economic hurdles. This declaration raises questions about the future of water resource management in the region, especially as climate change and population growth intensify demand for sustainable solutions.
Implications for Karnataka's Water Strategy
The failure to move forward with the Netravathi-Hemavathi linking initiative has broader implications for Karnataka's water infrastructure and policy. Key points include:
- Resource Allocation: With this project now considered unfeasible, state authorities may need to redirect focus and funding toward alternative water conservation and distribution methods.
- Environmental Concerns: The lack of further studies suggests potential ecological risks or insurmountable technical barriers that were identified in the initial report but never addressed.
- Public and Agricultural Impact: Communities and farmers relying on improved water access from such projects may face continued challenges, necessitating urgent exploration of other options.
As of February 2026, the project remains in limbo, with no active plans for revival or reassessment. This situation highlights the complexities of large-scale river interlinking in India, where similar proposals often face delays due to bureaucratic, financial, and environmental constraints.
