Ken-Betwa River Linking Project is one of the biggest initiatives taken up by the Indian government especially relating to the scarcity issues about water in the Bundelkhand region in both Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the foundation of this project is one vital step toward the initiation of this ambitious plan.
Outline of the Project
The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project is the first interlinking of rivers under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) of India. It aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh for better management of water, productivity of agriculture, and drinking water.
Important Features of the Project
1. Location:It is associated with the rivers Ken and Betwa, which are both tributaries of the Yamuna.It covers parts of Panna, Tikamgarh and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh and Mahoba, Jhansi and Banda districts of Uttar Pradesh.
2. Major Features: Daudhan Dam: Major feature along the Ken River.Canals: The project includes a 221 km network of canals to divert water from Ken to Betwa.
Hydropower Generation: It is also said to generate 103 MW hydropower.
Drinking Water Supply: This project is to be taken up for 62 lakh population in the region.
Funding:The investment in the project goes up to ₹44,605 crores, for which huge financial assistance from Indian governments is there.
Water Benefits
1. Chronic water shortages abolished in Bundelkhand that has historically witnessed drought and water inadequacy.This plan ensures that water security of the region is taken care of.
2. Supports Agricultural Sector:Irrigation facilities will irrigate more or less 10.6 lakh hectares of agricultural area, hence enhancing the yield.
3. Social Benefit:It will increase the standard of living as well as promote rural development by providing access to water.
4. Flood and Drought Management:It will prevent floods as well as droughts because it will distribute water between the two river basins.
5. Biodiversity:There is a proposal to reduce environmental impacts but there are some concerns over it.
Environmental Concerns
1. Panna Tiger Reserve:The project will send parts of the Panna Tiger Reserve into the submerge, and it will generate concern for its impact on wildlife such as tigers and vultures.
2. Ecological Balance:Natural flow of rivers will be changed, hence disturbing the aquatic ecosystem.
3. Displacement:Local communities will be affected and rehabilitation of the community is a huge challenge.
Significance of PM Modi’s Involvement
1. Political and Administrative Push:PM Modi’s involvement ensures that the project receives high-level attention and resources.
2. National Importance:It reflects the government’s commitment to tackling critical water and development issues in drought-prone areas.
3. Strategic Development:As part of the overall interlinking river projects, it sets a precedent for similar initiatives all over India.
The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project is one of the most transformational initiatives to tackle the issue of water scarcity and enhance development in Bundelkhand. Its execution, however, would necessitate a delicate balance of developmental needs and environmental sustainability. The laying of its foundation stone by PM Modi marks a historic step for this project, signaling the seriousness of the government on water resource management for sustainable development.
