Context
A recent study has warned that India’s National River Linking Project (NRLP) could create “ecological highways” for invasive alien species, allowing them and aquatic pathogens to move between previously isolated river basins. The Lower Ganga–Mahanadi linkage is considered particularly vulnerable.
Explanation
- Invasive alien species (IAS) are non-native organisms that establish, spread and threaten native biodiversity, ecosystem functions or livelihoods.
- India’s NRLP proposes inter-basin water transfers by connecting major river basins identified as having “surplus” and “deficit” water.
- Linking isolated basins may break natural biogeographical barriers, helping invasive fish, plants and pathogens spread.
- The Lower Ganga basin, already hosting multiple invasive species, could become a source for the ecologically sensitive Mahanadi basin.
- Peninsular and Northeast river basins are especially vulnerable because of high endemism and ecological isolation.
- Reduced downstream flows may further stress native species by altering sediment transport, floodplains and fish migration.
- River interlinking therefore requires basin-level ecological assessment, invasive-species monitoring and biosecurity safeguards.
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