This paper discusses river linking, as a part of an ancient tradition, and suggests how NGOs can play a role in this attempt. The example of the Koyna dam is taken, and the effective handling of the technical and human angle of the dams construction is detailed through in-depth study and detailed field visits.

This project is a good example of a meeting of technocrats and civic administration who have come together to benefit society. According to the author, there is nothing new in the concept of interlinking of rivers and therefore there should be no opposition to it. According to him a king in ancient India diverted the river Ganga to bring water to the needy. More recently the river Koyna, was diverted for the Koyna Hydro-electric project.

This paper was presented at the National Seminar on Water and Culture organised by Kannada University and Sahayoga in 2007.

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