On the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated the Ken-Betwa River Linking National Project. This ambitious project, a cornerstone of India’s river interlinking efforts, marks a significant milestone in addressing water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region. However, the project has also sparked criticism, particularly from the Congress, which expressed concerns over its potential environmental impact on the Panna Tiger Reserve.
What is the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP)?
The Ken-Betwa Link Project is a water transfer initiative aimed at linking the Ken and Betwa Rivers, both tributaries of the Yamuna. With a 221-kilometer-long canal and a 2-kilometer tunnel, the project seeks to address water distribution issues across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the project is expected to:
- Irrigate 10.62 lakh hectares of land (8.11 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh and 2.51 lakh hectares in Uttar Pradesh).
- Provide drinking water to approximately 62 lakh people.
- Generate power: 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar energy.
This is the first initiative under the National Perspective Plan for interlinking rivers, formulated in 1980. The plan envisions 16 projects in the peninsular region and 14 links under the Himalayan rivers development program.
Project Phases
The Ken-Betwa project is divided into two distinct phases:
- Phase I: Focused on constructing the Daudhan Dam complex, including tunnels, the Ken-Betwa Link Canal, and powerhouses.
- Phase II: Encompasses the Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage.
Key Developments and Budget
In December 2021, the Union Cabinet approved the project with a budget of ₹44,605 crore (at 2020-21 prices). The foundation stone for the Daudhan Dam—a 2,031-meter-long structure (1,233 meters earthen and 798 meters concrete) with a height of 77 meters—was laid by PM Modi.
The dam will submerge approximately 9,000 hectares of land, affecting 10 villages. Its construction has been contracted to NCC Ltd, with a projected timeline of eight years for completion.
Historical Background
The Ken-Betwa project has been in development for decades. In 2005, a tripartite agreement was signed for preparing a detailed project report (DPR). In 2008, it was declared a National Project and became a part of the Prime Minister’s Bundelkhand development package. A finalized DPR was completed in 2018, clearing the way for implementation.
Environmental Concerns
Despite its benefits, the project has faced criticism over environmental risks, particularly its impact on the Panna Tiger Reserve. The submersion of forested areas and displacement of local communities remain contentious issues. Critics argue that such risks require greater scrutiny and mitigation measures.
A Tribute to Vajpayee’s Vision
The inauguration of the Ken-Betwa project on the centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee is seen as a tribute to his vision for a developed and sustainable India. The project holds the promise of transforming water management in one of the country’s most arid regions while serving as a flagship model for river interlinking across India.
As the nation anticipates the project’s completion, its success will depend on balancing development needs with environmental preservation and community welfare.