Ganga-Kaveri Interlinking
Full Form of GKI
What is GKI?
The Ganga-Kaveri Interlinking (GKI) project is part of India's ambitious National River Linking Project (NRLP) aimed at transferring surplus water from the Ganga basin in the north to the water-deficit Kaveri basin in the south. Proposed by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA), this project envisions a series of canals, reservoirs, and tunnels to connect major rivers across the country. The GKI component specifically addresses irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower needs in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Although conceived decades ago, implementation faces environmental, financial, and interstate water-sharing challenges. In Indian government and policy discourse, GKI is frequently discussed in water resource management plans and interlinking feasibility studies. For competitive exams like UPSC and state PCS, understanding the GKI project is crucial for questions on water governance, interstate disputes (e.g., Cauvery water dispute), and sustainable infrastructure. The project symbolizes India's approach to addressing regional water imbalance while sparking debate on ecological impact and cost-benefit analysis.
GKI का फुल फॉर्म
गंगा-कावेरी जोड़ो परियोजना
Example
The NWDA's detailed project report on GKI estimates a total cost of over ₹1.5 lakh crore and requires consensus among riparian states before implementation.