Relevance: GS I (Geography) & GS III (Environment & Infrastructure) | Source: The Hindu / Indian Express
1. The Context: Growing Unrest
Violent protests have erupted in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, regarding the implementation of the Ken-Betwa River Link Project.
- The Grievance: Local communities, primarily tribals, are protesting against inadequate compensation and the arrest of local activists.
- The Demand: They are calling for fair rehabilitation under the land acquisition laws, arguing that the development of the region should not come at the cost of displacing its most vulnerable residents.
2. Understanding the Project (The Concept)
The Ken-Betwa Link is the first intervention under the National Perspective Plan for the inter-linking of rivers.
- The Goal: To transfer “surplus” water from the Ken River basin to the “deficit” Betwa River basin.
- The Beneficiary: It aims to irrigate the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, spread across districts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
- Key Infrastructure: The project involves constructing the Daudhan Dam on the Ken river and a canal to channel water to the Betwa.
3. The Conflict: Ecological & Social Cost
While intended to solve water scarcity, the project faces severe criticism:
- Ecological Threat: A major concern for UPSC is the submergence of a significant core area of the Panna Tiger Reserve. This threatens the habitat of tigers and nesting sites of vultures.
- Hydrological Debate: Experts contest the definition of Ken as “surplus,” noting that the river itself runs dry during peak summer months.
- Displacement: The project will displace thousands of families, raising questions about the efficacy of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
UPSC Value Box
| Concept / Institution | Relevance for Prelims |
| Ken and Betwa Rivers | Both are tributaries of the Yamuna River. They originate in Madhya Pradesh and flow northwards. |
| Panna Tiger Reserve | Located in the Vindhyan mountain range (MP). It is a critical habitat connecting the eastern and western populations of wild tigers. It also hosts the Ken Gharial Sanctuary. |
| National Water Development Agency (NWDA) | The agency under the Ministry of Jal Shakti responsible for studying and planning the inter-linking of rivers in India. |
Q. With reference to the Ken-Betwa Link Project, consider the following statements:
- It is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for the inter-linking of rivers.
- The project aims to transfer water from the Betwa basin to the Ken basin.
- The project will lead to the submergence of a major portion of the Panna Tiger Reserve.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (b)
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