NEWS: Protests against the Ken–Betwa Link Project in Madhya Pradesh have intensified, with tribal communities demanding adequate rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) before project implementation.

ABOUT

• India's first major river interlinking project under the National Perspective Plan for River Interlinking (NPP).
• Objective: Transfer surplus water from the Ken River to the water-deficit Betwa River basin.
• Ken River: Flows mainly through Madhya Pradesh.
• Betwa River: Flows through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
• Both are tributaries of the Yamuna River.

OBJECTIVES

• Provide irrigation to drought-prone Bundelkhand.
• Improve drinking water supply.
• Support industrial development.
• Enhance agricultural productivity and employment.

KEY FEATURES (PHASE-I)

• Daudhan Dam (77 m) on the Ken River.
• 221-km Ken–Betwa Canal (including a 2-km tunnel).

Power generation:

• 103 MW Hydropower
• 27 MW Solar Power
• Water Utilisation: 4,543.52 MCM
• Madhya Pradesh – 2,350 MCM
• Uttar Pradesh – 1,700 MCM

PHASE-II

• Construction of: Lower Orr Dam, Kotha Barrage, Bina Complex Projects

MAJOR CONCERNS

• Submergence of nearly 6,000 hectares of the Panna Tiger Reserve.
• Loss of tiger habitat, forests, and biodiversity.
• Displacement of tribal communities and concerns over inadequate rehabilitation and compensation.