Protests erupt over Ken-Betwa river linking project in Madhya Pradesh, citing displacement, compensation, and environmental concerns
Villagers in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, are protesting against the Union government's ₹44,000 crore Ken-Betwa Link Project, India's first river-linking initiative. Protests also target the State government's Majhgaon and Runjh irrigation projects. Key demands include treating each adult as an individual beneficiary for the ₹12.5 lakh rehabilitation package and revising the eligibility cut-off date. Protesters allege irregularities in surveys, inclusion of fake beneficiaries, and flawed gram sabha proceedings. Environmental concerns are significant, as a large part of the project falls within the Panna Tiger Reserve. It involves felling over 17,000 trees, threatening tiger reintroduction efforts, endangered vultures, mahseer fish, and gharials. The project aims to transfer surplus water from Ken to Betwa River, generate hydropower, and provide drinking water to drought-prone Bundelkhand.
Key Points
- Protests are ongoing in Madhya Pradesh against the Ken-Betwa Link Project and state irrigation projects over displacement and compensation issues.
- Key demands include individual adult beneficiary status for rehabilitation and revision of eligibility cut-off dates.
- Allegations of irregularities in surveys, fake beneficiaries, and flawed gram sabha proceedings have been raised.
- Significant environmental concerns exist, particularly the project's impact on the Panna Tiger Reserve, including deforestation and threats to endangered species.
Exam Facts
- Project: Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, India's first river-linking project.
- Cost: ₹44,000 crore.
- Location of protests: Kupi village, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Rehabilitation package: ₹12.5 lakh per eligible beneficiary.
- Environmental impact on Panna Tiger Reserve.
- Over 17,000 trees identified for felling.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.