The Union Cabinet has recently given the green light to the Ken-Betwa river interlinking project. Conceived as a measure to transfer water from the Ken river to the Betwa river, both of which are tributaries of the Yamuna, this project is set to be realized within an eight-year time frame.
Ken-Betwa Project in Focus
As the first initiative under the National Perspective Plan for river interlinking, the Ken-Betwa project involves constructing a 221-km link canal, inclusive of a 2-km tunnel. Both the Ken and Betwa rivers originate from Madhya Pradesh (MP) and flow into the Yamuna, with the Ken meeting the Yamuna in Banda district (UP) and joining the Betwa in Hamirpur district (UP). Over the Betwa river, there are Rajghat, Paricha and Matatila dams, while the Ken River runs through the Panna tiger reserve.
The Journey to Approval
The concept of linking the Ken and Betwa rivers was first significantly advanced in August 2005 when a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The MoU was an agreement between the Central government and the state governments of MP and UP. In 2008, the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) was designated a National Project by the Centre. It was subsequently incorporated into the Prime Minister’s strategy for developing the drought-stricken Bundelkhand region. Fast forward to 2021, a memorandum of agreement was inked for project implementation between the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the two aforementioned states.
Project Implementation
The responsibility of bringing the project to fruition lies with a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) known as the Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority (KBLPA), which is overseen by the National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA).
Project Stages
The project comprises two stages broken down into four key components. Phase I focuses on constructing the Daudhan Dam complex along with its subsidiary units such as Low Level Tunnel, High Level Tunnel, Ken-Betwa Link Canal, and power houses. Phase II will see the completion of the Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage.
The Benefits of the Ken-Betwa Project
Located in Bundelkhand, a region notorious for its susceptibility to drought, the project provides huge potential benefits. The Jal Shakti Ministry affirms that the project will greatly benefit this water-deprived region and set a precedent for additional river interlinking projects, thereby preventing water scarcity from impeding national development. The ministry estimates that the project will irrigate 10.62 lakh hectares annually, furnish drinking water to about 62 lakh individuals, and generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.
The Challenges Ahead
Despite its anticipated benefits, the project faces several challenges, including the submergence of the Panna Tiger Reserve, obtaining necessary clearances, and implementing a resettlement and rehabilitation plan for tribal populations.
History of River Interlinking in India
The concept of river interlinking in India dates back to the British Raj when Sir Arthur Cotton suggested linking the Ganga and the Cauvery for navigation purposes. Over the years, several river linking projects have been implemented. The National Perspective Plan was drafted in August 1980 for water resources development through inter-basin water transfer. Under this plan, the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) identified 30 river links, with the Ken-Betwa Link Project being one of the 16 projects under the peninsular component.
