Which of the following pairs of rivers was first added? 

The correct answer is Godavari - Krishna.

Key Points

• The Godavari-Krishna river linking project was the first river interlinking project in India.
• It was initiated to address water scarcity issues in the Krishna basin by diverting surplus water from the Godavari basin.
• The project aims to provide irrigation and drinking water to drought-prone areas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• It was completed in September 2015, marking a significant achievement in India's water resource management.
• The Polavaram Irrigation Project plays a crucial role in facilitating the interlinking of these rivers.

Additional Information

• Interlinking of Rivers
  • Interlinking of rivers involves the transfer of water from water-surplus rivers to water-deficit rivers.
  • This aims to mitigate water scarcity, enhance irrigation potential, and reduce floods and droughts.
  • The National Perspective Plan (NPP) outlines the vision for interlinking rivers in India.
  • The plan includes 30 river links, envisaging the transfer of 174 billion cubic meters of water.
• Polavaram Project
  • The Polavaram Project is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh.
  • It aims to provide irrigation, hydroelectric power, and drinking water supply.
  • The project is crucial for the Godavari-Krishna river interlinking.
  • It is expected to irrigate 2.91 lakh hectares of land and generate 960 megawatts of power.
• National Water Development Agency (NWDA)
  • The NWDA is responsible for the planning and implementation of river interlinking projects in India.
  • It was established in 1982 under the Ministry of Water Resources.
  • The agency conducts technical and feasibility studies for interlinking projects.
  • NWDA plays a pivotal role in coordinating with state governments and other stakeholders.
• Water Resource Management
  • Effective management of water resources is critical for sustainable development and agriculture.
  • India faces challenges like uneven water distribution, seasonal variations, and increasing demand.
  • Integrated water resource management (IWRM) promotes coordinated development and management of water resources.
  • Interlinking of rivers is part of the broader strategy to enhance water availability and security.