Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil has extended an invitation to Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan for the upcoming International Water Week in September 2026. The Minister discussed various river interlinking projects during their meeting, highlighting initiatives aimed at enhancing water conservation and resource management nationwide.
Radhakrishnan was briefed on the progress of significant river-linking projects, including the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project, and the Godavari-Cauvery Link Project. Paatil and Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary provided updates on key programs such as Namami Gange, the National River Conservation Plan, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme.
The Vice President commended the Department’s flagship initiative, “Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari,” designed to strengthen water conservation and groundwater recharge through a collaborative approach involving various sectors of society. Under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0 initiative, over 1.55 crore water conservation and groundwater recharge structures have been established, surpassing the set target significantly.
Radhakrishnan emphasized the potential transformative role of river interlinking in addressing water stress, drought mitigation, expanding irrigation coverage, and promoting balanced regional development. He suggested comprehensive documentation of major national water infrastructure projects like the Ken-Betwa Link Project through documentaries and archival records to preserve these historic efforts for future generations.
