‘Mindset, Not Money’: VP on River Interlinking Challenges
C.P. Radhakrishnan Reviews Major Water Projects, Stresses Groundwater Recharge and National Water Security
- Vice-President briefed on major river interlinking and water conservation projects
- Praises Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative for boosting groundwater recharge
- Says mindset and political hurdles are bigger challenges than funding
- Calls for documentation of major water infrastructure projects for future generations
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 9th June: Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday emphasised the importance of river interlinking and groundwater recharge for India’s long-term water security, stating that the biggest challenge in implementing such projects is not funding but the prevailing mindset and political considerations.
The Vice-President made the remarks during a meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Minister of State Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary and senior officials of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation at the Vice-President’s House.
During the meeting, officials briefed him on major water conservation initiatives and key river-linking projects being undertaken by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Radhakrishnan appreciated the Ministry’s flagship Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative, which promotes water conservation and groundwater recharge through collaboration among governments, communities, industries and civil society organisations.
Officials informed him that under JSJB 2.0, more than 1.55 crore water conservation and groundwater recharge structures have been reported across the country, significantly exceeding the programme’s target.
The Vice-President was also briefed on the progress of major river-linking projects, including the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project and the proposed Godavari-Cauvery Link Project.
Highlighting the significance of these projects, he said river interlinking has the potential to address water scarcity, mitigate drought conditions, expand irrigation facilities and ensure balanced regional development.
Recalling his earlier padyatra in support of river interlinking, Radhakrishnan remarked that financial resources are not the primary obstacle to implementing such projects.
“Mindset-related issues and political considerations often become obstacles,” he said, stressing the need for a visionary and cooperative approach to water governance in the larger national interest.
The Vice-President also suggested that major national water infrastructure projects, particularly the Ken-Betwa Link Project, should be comprehensively documented through documentaries and archival records so that future generations can understand and appreciate these landmark nation-building efforts.
During the interaction, Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil and Minister of State Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary invited the Vice-President to participate in the India International Water Week 2026, scheduled to be held in September.
The meeting underscored the government’s continued focus on strengthening water conservation measures, enhancing groundwater recharge and advancing large-scale water infrastructure projects to secure India’s future water needs.
