Regarding need for expeditious implementation of the Krishna River Interlinking Project to address water crisis in different parts of Karnataka-Laid

Regarding need for expeditious implementation of the Krishna River Interlinking Project to address water crisis in different parts of Karnataka-Laid DR. K. SUDHAKAR (CHIKKBALLAPUR): Chikkaballapur, Kolar, and Bengaluru Rural districts in Karnataka face a severe and worsening water crisis, despite being situated near Nandi Hills, the origin of five rivers. Due to poor water management and inter-state disputes, rivers such as the Arkavathi, South and North Pinakini, Palar and Chitravati see much of their flows exiting the state, leaving local communities chronically short of both irrigation and drinking water. With summer approaching, rainfall deficits and existing water infrastructure failures will only intensify water scarcity and aggravate drought conditions, threatening agriculture, livelihoods and drinking water supplies across these regions. Seasonal monsoons alone cannot be relied upon to sustain the population through months of high demand. A bold, long-term solution is needed, one that transfers surplus water from the Krishna River basin into these eastern Karnataka districts through well-planned interlinking projects. Unlike minor schemes, river interlinking requires significant central coordination, funding and technical capacity beyond the reach of state resources. Only the Government of India can conceive and execute such inter-basin transfers of this scale. Krishna interlinking, under a central government program, could provide reliable drinking and irrigation water. I request the government of India to introduce such a visionary scheme.