The Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh recently signed a memorandum of agreement to activate the Ken Betwa Link Project (KBLP), marking the initial project of the National Perspective Plan for interlinking rivers. On World Water Day (22nd March), the two states and the Centre signed a tripartite agreement to move forward with this ambitious project.
The Ken Betwa Link Project (KBLP)
The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is a significant river interlinking project, designed to transfer excess water from the Ken river in Madhya Pradesh to Betwa in Uttar Pradesh. This is aimed at irrigating the Bundelkhand region frequently impacted by drought. The region spans across the districts of Jhansi, Banda, Lalitpur, Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh and Tikamgarh, Panna, and Chhatarpur districts in Madhya Pradesh.
The KBLP involves the construction of a 77-metre tall Dhaudhan dam, a 2-km wide and a 230-km canal. The Ken-Betwa Link is among the 30 river interlinking projects conceived countrywide. Despite its potential, the project has been delayed due to political disputes and environmental concerns.
Benefits of River Interlinking
The river interlinking project offers numerous benefits. It aims at addressing the recurring droughts in the Bundelkhand region hence offering a long-term solution. It will also directly benefit farmers by providing a stable livelihood through sustainable irrigation methods, hereby reducing dependence on groundwater and lowering suicide rates among farmers.
Electricity production is another advantage of this project. Construction of the multipurpose dam will not only enhance water conservation efforts but also generate 103 MW of hydropower. Moreover, it aims at supplying drinking water to about 62 lakh people. Additionally, some argue that the introduction of dams in the water-scarce regions of Panna tiger reserve will rejuvenate the forests, paving the way for rich biodiversity.
Challenges Faced by the Project
The project is not without its challenges including environmental, economic, and social issues. From an environmental perspective, the project has been delayed due to wildlife conservation concerns about passing through the critical tiger habitat of Panna tiger reserve. This has resulted in it awaiting approval from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), and other higher authorities.
Economically, the cost of implementing and maintaining the project is high and continues to increase due to delays in project implementation. Social costs are also involved; displacement resulting from the project’s implementation will necessitate reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
About Ken and Betwa Rivers
The Ken and Betwa rivers, both originating in Madhya Pradesh, are tributaries of Yamuna. The Ken river meets Yamuna in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh and Betwa in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Notable dams over Betwa river include Rajghat, Paricha, and Matatila dams. The Ken River also passes through the Panna tiger reserve.
National Perspective Plan for Interlinking of Rivers
Formally known as the National River Linking Project (NRLP), the National Perspective Plan aims at transferring water from water ‘surplus’ basins – prone to flooding, to water ‘deficit’ basins – where drought/scarcity is frequent, through inter-basin water transfer projects.
Under this plan, the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has recognised 30 links (16 under Peninsular Component and 14 under Himalayan Component) for the preparation of feasibility reports. The Plan, aimed at transferring water from surplus basins to deficit ones, was prepared in August 1980.