The statement posits that connecting different parts of a river system within the same river basin (intrabasin linkages) is more feasible than inter-basin transfers, considering economic, social, and ecological dimensions. This approach focuses on optimizing water use and management within a natural hydrological unit, offering several advantages.

Economically, intrabasin linkages are generally more feasible due to lower capital investment and operational costs. They typically involve shorter distances for water transfer, requiring less extensive canal networks, pumping stations, and associated infrastructure compared to large-scale inter-basin projects. This reduces construction expenses, land acquisition costs, and the overall financial burden. For instance, local irrigation projects that connect tributaries or distributaries within a major river basin, like the Ganga or Godavari, to optimize water supply for nearby agricultural fields are economically viable and provide direct benefits to local farmers without massive financial outlays.

Socially, intrabasin linkages are less disruptive. Since water is managed within its natural basin, there is significantly less displacement of communities and fewer conflicts over water sharing, as the stakeholders are often part of the same regional ecosystem. This fosters greater community acceptance and participation in water management initiatives. For example, the management of reservoir systems within the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) in eastern India, which involves linking multiple dams and barrages within the Damodar basin for flood control, irrigation, and power generation, primarily benefits the local population without creating large-scale social unrest often associated with diverting water across basins.

Ecologically, this approach is far more sustainable. Intrabasin linkages minimize alterations to natural river flows, aquatic ecosystems, and biodiversity. They avoid the introduction of alien species or significant changes in water quality that can occur when water is transferred between different basins. This helps maintain the ecological integrity of the river system. For instance, projects focused on groundwater recharge using excess surface water within a basin, or optimizing water distribution for urban supply within a city's natural river catchment, are ecologically sound as they work with the natural hydrological cycle rather than against it. They prevent the large-scale environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures that inter-basin transfers necessitate, such as habitat destruction or changes in downstream river regimes.

In contrast, large-scale inter-basin river linking projects, like the proposed National River Linking Project in India, face immense challenges on all three fronts: exorbitant costs, widespread social displacement and interstate water disputes, and significant ecological damage to riverine and terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, intrabasin linkages represent a more pragmatic, sustainable, and less contentious approach to water resource management in India, offering localized benefits with minimal adverse impacts.