Application of Geospatial Techniques and the MCDM Method to Optimize Interlinking of Rivers in India

Access to freshwater is one of the most critical challenges in drought-prone regions India due climate change and population growth. However, societal costs people displacement are often ignored while evaluating interlinking rivers (ILR) projects though significant impacts ILR densely populated countries. Therefore, authors expand scope Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) by incorporating land use cover as key criteria Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method. The project alternatives for proposed Almatti-Pennar (A-P) developed this study were evaluated applying geospatial techniques MCDM method before consulting expert stakeholders finalize optimal configuration project. A-P will utilize existing reservoirs canal systems reduce length 587 km long link 200 km. This expedite reducing project-related deforestation, displacement, cost. integrated approach using can be applied achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 (zero hunger) SDG target 6.1 (safe affordable drinking water) water stress.