Ken-Betwa Link Project
Why in News?
The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is recently in the news due to widespread protests by local tribal communities and activists over forced displacement, subpar rehabilitation packages, and the forced clearance of protest sites by law enforcement in Madhya Pradesh.
Project Overview
The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is recently in the news due to widespread protests by local tribal communities and activists over forced displacement, subpar rehabilitation packages, and the forced clearance of protest sites by law enforcement in Madhya Pradesh.
Project Overview
- India's First River-Interlinking Project: It serves as the pioneer project under the country's National Perspective Plan (NPP) formulated in 1980.
- Core Objective: To transfer surplus water from the Ken River (Madhya Pradesh) to the water-deficit Betwa River (Uttar Pradesh).
- Geography: Both rivers are key right-bank tributaries of the Yamuna River.
- Primary Target: Providing water security to the drought-prone, socio-economically vulnerable Bundelkhand region.
- Implementing Agency: Managed by the Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority (KBLPA), a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle.
Cost and Timeline
- Total Estimated Budget: Allocated at ₹44,605 crore.
- Funding Model: Central government is funding 90% of the project cost.
- Current Status: Foundation stone was laid by PM Narendra Modi in December 2024; scheduled for full completion by 2030.
- Human Displacement: Construction will completely displace over 7,000 tribal and rural families.
- Environmental Impact: The project submerges a massive chunk of the Panna Tiger Reserve, threatening core wildlife habitats, regional biodiversity, and vulture nesting sites.
Major Infrastructure Components
- Daudhan Dam: A 77-metre high, 2-km wide dam currently under construction on the Ken River.
- Link Canal: A 221-km long canal network (including a 2-km water tunnel) to route the water flow.
- Phase I Scope: Focuses entirely on the Daudhan Dam complex, powerhouses, and the main link canal.
- Phase II Scope: Encompasses the Lower Orr Dam, the Bina Complex Multipurpose Project, and the Kotha Barrage.
Expected Benefits
- Irrigation Expansion: Targets the annual irrigation of 10.62 lakh hectares of agricultural land across MP and UP.
- Drinking Water Security: Expected to provide clean drinking water to 62 lakh (6.2 million) people.
- Regional Coverage: Benefits 12 districts in Madhya Pradesh and 10 districts in Southern Uttar Pradesh.
- Clean Energy Generation: Built to generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.
