Tribal women protest Ken-Betwa river-linking project over inadequate rehabilitation package
Tribal villagers, primarily women, in Chhatarpur district escalated their protests against the Ken-Betwa river-linking project, citing inadequate rehabilitation packages. The protesters, some placing nooses around their necks symbolically, demand an increase in their rehabilitation package from ₹12.5 lakh to ₹25 lakh, and inclusion of all affected families from Majhgaon and Runjh irrigation projects. While the Collector claims the current protesters are not directly impacted by Ken-Betwa but by other projects, the State Cabinet recently increased the rehabilitation package for Majhgaon and Runjh projects by ₹300 crore, from ₹5 lakh to ₹12.5 lakh. Environmentalists also express concerns about the project's impact on local ecology and wildlife, particularly Panna National Park.
Key Points
- Tribal women are leading protests against the Ken-Betwa river-linking project in Chhatarpur district.
- The main demand is for an increased rehabilitation package and inclusion of all affected families from related irrigation projects.
- The State Cabinet recently approved an increase in the rehabilitation package for Majhgaon and Runjh projects.
- Environmental concerns persist regarding the project's impact on Panna National Park and local ecology.
Exam Facts
- Protests are in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh.
- The Ken-Betwa link project was flagged off by PM Narendra Modi on December 25, 2024.
- It is the first of 30 such link projects under the National Perspective Plan (NPP).
- The State Cabinet increased the rehabilitation package for Majhgaon and Runjh projects by ₹300 crore, from ₹5 lakh to ₹12.5 lakh.
- The project impacts Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve.
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