River interlinking project may spread invasive species across basins

India's river interlinking project risks spreading invasive alien species across river basins, according to environmental concerns raised. The Lower Ganga basin currently hosts 13-15 invasive species and could become a major source of these organisms for the Mahanadi river, which is home to 69 threatened species.

Water connections created under the interlinking initiative could also facilitate the spread of aquatic pathogens across basins. Scientists warn this could erode the unique biodiversity that individual river systems have developed over time, flattening the distinct ecological character of each basin.