Why in the News
The agitation over compensation and rehabilitation by families affected by the Ken-Betwa link project and two irrigation projects in Panna and Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, is in discussion again. The affected families held a sit-in for several weeks, which is now temporarily suspended. The dam of the project is under construction and work on the canal is yet to begin.
The Project at a Glance
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | A plan to carry the water of the Ken river to the Betwa river. The first project of the National Perspective Plan for river linking to reach the implementation stage |
| Main structures | The 96.7 metre high Daudhan Dam on the Ken river (Panna-Chhatarpur, about 40 km from Khajuraho) and a 216.465 km long link canal, which will join at Barua Sagar near Jhansi |
| Other components | Lower Orr project, Kotha Barrage, Bina Complex multipurpose project |
| Total cost | ₹44,605 crore |
| Target benefits | Irrigation of 10.62 lakh hectares, drinking water for about 62 lakh people, 103 MW hydropower and 27 MW solar power |
| Timeline | Cabinet approval 8 December 2021; foundation stone 25 December 2024; target completion 2030 |
| Current status | Dam under construction; canal work yet to begin |
According to government information, the claim that the project will end drought completely is not justified. Its aim is to increase water security and resilience to drought in Bundelkhand.
Environmental and Judicial Aspects
- The Supreme Court's Central Empowered Committee (CEC), in its 2019 report, raised concerns about the project's wildlife clearance and environmental impacts. A public interest litigation raises the issue of the effect on the Panna Tiger Reserve and the Ken Gharial Sanctuary.
- On 9 October 2026, in hearing this petition, the Madhya Pradesh High Court asked the state to reply on the action taken on the CEC report. The bench said that since the Supreme Court is looking at the matter of river-linking projects as a whole, it would be careful in passing orders.
Displacement and Rehabilitation
- In Panna district, families affected by the Ken-Betwa project, two medium irrigation projects (Majhgawan and Runj) and a rail project raised objections on compensation and rehabilitation.
- Demands: fair compensation, rehabilitation and a fresh survey of affected families and properties.
- The administration has given assurances after talks. According to local reports, a package has also been approved for beneficiaries who were left out.
Way Forward
- The process of rehabilitation and compensation should be transparent: the survey list should be public and a time-bound grievance redressal system should be made for families left out.
- An independent assessment of the impact on forest land and wildlife areas should be done and regular public compliance details of mitigation measures should be given.
- Irrigation benefits will come only if the canal and distribution system are built on time. Detailed project reports of the states' sub-projects should be completed on time.
- For water-use efficiency, micro-irrigation and groundwater recharge should be combined.
Prelims Practice Questions
Question 1. With reference to the Ken-Betwa link project, consider the following statements:
Statement 1: The Daudhan Dam is being built on the Ken river.
Statement 2: The link canal will join at Barua Sagar near Jhansi.
Statement 3: The foundation stone of the project was laid in 2021.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer and Explanation
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Daudhan Dam is on the Ken river and the canal will join at Barua Sagar (near Jhansi). Cabinet approval was in December 2021, but the foundation stone was laid on 25 December 2024. So Statement 3 is incorrect.
Question 2. Consider the following two statements:
Statement-I: The aim of the Ken-Betwa link project is to increase water security and resilience to drought in Bundelkhand.
Statement-II: The project provides for the generation of both hydropower and solar power.
With reference to the above statements, which one of the following is correct?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Answer and Explanation
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The project's aim is to increase water security, and both hydropower and solar power are proposed in it. Both statements are correct, but energy generation does not explain the objective of water security.
Sources
- PIB: Ken-Betwa Link Project, Frequently Asked Questions (21 August 2026)
- Prime Minister's Office: Cabinet approval (8 December 2021)
- PIB: Foundation stone laying (25 December 2024)
- LiveLaw: Madhya Pradesh High Court hearing (9 October 2026)
- Ground Report: Panna sit-in suspended (5 November 2026)
- Dainik Bhaskar: Package in Chhatarpur (4 November 2026)
- The Hindu: The struggle for justice is indivisible (7 November 2026)
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PCSMANTRA Editorial Team
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