Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of the Ken-Betwa River Linking National Project in Madhya Pradesh on the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Ken-Betwa River Linking National Project is the first interlinking of rivers project of the country under the National Perspective Plan. This project will provide irrigation facilities to various districts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh which will benefit lakhs of farmer families. This project will also provide drinking water facility to the people of the area.
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As the first initiative under India’s National River Linking Policy, this ambitious project aims to tackle water scarcity and promote irrigation and hydropower in the drought-hit Bundelkhand region. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 44,605 crore, involves building the 77 meter high, 2.13 kilometer long Daudhan Dam on the Ken River within the Panna Tiger Reserve. The 221 km long canal will transfer water from Ken River to Betwa River.
The project promises significant benefits such as improved water availability for agricultural, drinking and industrial purposes. It is also expected to increase groundwater stability, boost tourism and create employment opportunities in the Bundelkhand region which has been facing severe water shortage for a long time. However, environmental concerns loom large. The location of Daudhan Dam in the Panna Tiger Reserve raises questions about its impact on wildlife and the ecosystem. While officials assure that the reservoir will provide year-round water for the animals, conservationists are wary of construction in ecologically sensitive areas.
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The project marks a collaborative effort between the Central Government and the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Chief Ministers of both the states and the Union Minister of Jal Shakti on March 22, 2021, outlining a shared commitment to address regional water issues. Modi said that today the foundation stone of the historic Ken Betwa Link Project has also been laid. Omkareshwar Floating Solar Plant has also been inaugurated and this is the first floating solar plant in Madhya Pradesh. I congratulate Madhya Pradesh for these projects.