The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP), which aims to transfer surplus water from one river basin to another to address water scarcity and enhance irrigation, recently crossed a considerable milestone by securing final forest clearance. However, the project’s wildlife clearance remains under examination at the Supreme Court of India. The successful progression of the KBLP is contingent upon meeting two pivotal forest clearance conditions: realigning its canal and shifting proposed powerhouses away from forest land, both of which carry potential environmental ramifications.
About the Ken-Betwa River Link Project
The KBLP holds the distinction of being the first project under the National Perspective Plan for the interlinking of rivers. The primary task involves transferring water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh. Notably, both the rivers are considered crucial tributaries of the Yamuna River.
Phases of the Project
The execution of the KBLP project takes place across two phases. Phase I incorporates the Daudhan Dam complex, along with its subsidiary units such as the Low-Level Tunnel, High-Level Tunnel, Ken-Betwa Link Canal, and powerhouses. On the other hand, Phase II includes the Lower Orr Dam across the Orr River, a tributary of the Betwa, the Bina Complex Project, and the Kotha Barrage.
Significance of the KBLP
The project is expected to provide a significant boost to water conservation efforts owing to the construction of a multipurpose dam. Additionally, it promises to generate 103 MW of hydropower and supply drinking water to 62 lakh people. The linking canal is slated to pass through Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Jhansi districts, leading to the irrigation of 6.3 lakh hectares of land annually.
Concerns surrounding the KBLP
Despite its numerous benefits, there are several worrisome aspects associated with the project. Primarily, it poses a potential threat to wildlife conservation owing to its alignment through the critical tiger habitat of Panna Tiger Reserve. Hence, gaining approval from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has proven to be a significant roadblock for the project.
About Ken and Betwa Rivers
Both the Ken and Betwa rivers originate in Madhya Pradesh and are tributaries of the Yamuna River. The Ken flows into the Yamuna near the Banda district of Uttar Pradesh, while the Betwa merges with the Yamuna in the Hamirpur district of UP. There are three dams – Rajghat, Paricha and Matatila, over the Betwa river. Of note is that the Ken River passes through the Panna tiger reserve.
Previous Year Question on Interlinking of Rivers
The interlinking of rivers has often been touted as a practical solution to the multi-dimensional, inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. A question examining this topic appeared in the 2020 UPSC Civil Services Examination. Applicants were asked to critically examine this position
Last Modified: February 22, 2024