Ken-Betwa Displacement: Centre Forwards Complaints to MP Govt, 648 Tribal Families Affected

The Union ministry of tribal affairs on Thursday informed the Lok Sabha that it has received several representations raising concerns over the displacement of people due to the Ken-Betwa river-link project in Madhya Pradesh. The ministry said it has forwarded these representations to the state government and the concerned district administrations for examination and appropriate action.

The Ken-Betwa river-link project is a major initiative under the national river interlinking programme. It aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken river to the Betwa river, benefiting irrigation and drinking water supply in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. However, the project has been a source of concern for tribal communities and environment groups due to displacement and forest land use.

In a written reply to questions from Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey said the ministry had received no complaints specifically claiming that compensation disbursed under the project had failed to reach beneficiaries. However, it acknowledged receiving representations "raising issues of displacement" due to the project.

"These have been forwarded to the State Government of Madhya Pradesh and respective District Administrations for examination and necessary action," Uikey's reply stated.

The ministry also provided details of the projected displacement. According to a proposal submitted by the National Water Development Agency in 2016, the first phase of the project is expected to displace 1,913 families comprising 8,339 people, including 648 Scheduled Tribe families.

On questions regarding compliance with the Forest Rights Act (FRA), the ministry clarified that the implementation of the law rests with state governments and Union Territory administrations. It said it does not maintain centralised records of gram sabha meetings, including dates, attendance, signatures, or grievances related to consent, compensation and displacement, or the status of their disposal.

The ministry added that it has repeatedly urged states and UTs to ensure no eligible beneficiary is denied forest rights and to strictly comply with Section 4(5) of the FRA. This provision prohibits the eviction or removal of claimants from forest land under their occupation until the process of recognition and verification of their rights has been completed.

The Centre's response comes amid a prolonged protest by tribal families and other residents affected by the project in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district. Protesters have been demanding proper rehabilitation and resettlement. In July, they staged symbolic demonstrations, including a "jal satyagraha", "chita (pyre) satyagraha" and "faansi satyagraha".

The protest also included an indefinite hunger strike by activist Amit Bhatnagar, who was later forcibly removed from the site by state police. Nearly 150 villagers were also removed during the operation, visuals of which drew nationwide attention. The affected families continue to await a resolution, with the ministry's latest reply indicating that the primary responsibility for addressing these concerns lies with the state government.