In this article, we will discuss the recent proceedings over the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP), its implications for water security and socio-economic development in the Bundelkhand region among other points of interest including Panna Tiger Reserve and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). This agenda was discussed during a meeting recently chaired by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, emphasizing the importance of KBLP as the flagship project of the national government.
Ken-Betwa Link: An Overview
The Ken-Betwa Link Project aims to transfer excess water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to Betwa in Uttar Pradesh to mitigate drought conditions prevalent in the Bundelkhand region. This region spans across several districts of both states – Jhansi, Banda, Lalitpur, and Mahoba districts of Uttar Pradesh and Tikamgarh, Panna, and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
The project includes the construction of a 77-metre tall and 2-km wide dam (Dhaudhan Dam) within the Panna Tiger Reserve, along with a 230-km canal. The Ken-Betwa link is one of thirty river interlinking projects planned nationwide.
The Significance of the Project
KBLP carries significant importance owing to its potential impacts on water conservation, energy production, and providing drinking water supply to a wide population. It aims to accelerate water preservation through the construction of a multipurpose dam, produce 103 MW of hydropower, and supply potable water to around 62 lakh people.
Concerns Surrounding the Project
Despite its significance, KBLP raises environmental, economic, social, and legal issues. From an environmental perspective, the project’s route traverses through the critical tiger habitat of Panna Tiger Reserve, leading to delays in approval from the National Green Tribunal and other higher authorities.
Economically, the cost of project execution and maintenance is high and increasing due to project delays. Socially, there are issues related to displacement caused by the project which can lead to a potential social cost. Also, the residents are concerned that the project might risk the water security of Panna.
Legally, there have been significant issues with the approval granted to the Ken-Betwa Link Project. The standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife’s approval has not been deemed necessary for improving and better managing wildlife, as indicated in Section 35(6) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
National Perspective Plan for Interlinking of Rivers
The National River Linking Project, formerly known as the National Perspective Plan, aims to redistribute water from surplus basins, prone to flooding, to deficit basins suffering from drought through inter-basin water transfer projects. There are 30 links identified under this plan, consisting of 16 under the Peninsular Component and 14 under the Himalayan Component.
Understanding the Ken and Betwa Rivers
Ken and Betwa rivers originate in Madhya Pradesh and flow into Yamuna river, thus being its tributaries. Ken meets Yamuna in Banda district of Uttar Pradesh and Betwa in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh. There are major dams such as Rajghat, Paricha and Matatila constructed over Betwa river. Ken river is also significant as it passes through Panna Tiger Reserve.
