Ken-Betwa Project: Rs 44,605 Crore River Link Set to Transform Bundelkhand
The Ken-Betwa river linking project, India's first inter-basin river transfer initiative, is moving forward after decades of uncertainty. With an estimated cost of Rs 44,605 crore, the project aims to irrigate the drought-prone Bundelkhand region by transferring water from the Ken River to the Betwa River.
The project involves complex engineering, including the construction of the 77-metre high Daudhan dam on the Ken River, a 221-km long canal, and tunnels through the Vindhya range. Officials say the project will provide irrigation to over 6 lakh hectares of land and supply drinking water to millions in the region.
However, the project has also raised concerns about displacement and environmental impact. Over 6,000 families in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are expected to be affected. Environmentalists have warned about the loss of forest land and wildlife, including in the Panna Tiger Reserve. The project received final clearance from the Supreme Court in 2021, subject to certain conditions.
For the people living along the Ken River, the project is a double-edged sword. While many hope it will end years of water scarcity, others fear losing their homes and livelihoods. The government has promised adequate compensation and rehabilitation packages, but implementation remains a challenge.
The Ken-Betwa project is the first of 30 proposed river-linking projects under the National Perspective Plan. Its success or failure could set a precedent for future inter-basin transfers in India. With new deadlines set for 2026-27, all eyes are on the progress of this ambitious scheme.
