On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of Ken-Betwa River Linking project.
The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, a landmark initiative in India’s water resource management, promises to revolutionize irrigation, drinking water supply, and power generation in drought-prone regions. This ambitious interlinking of rivers, the first under the National Perspective Plan for inter-basin water transfer, represents a critical step towards resolving the country’s water scarcity issues, particularly in agrarian sectors.
Historical Background
The concept of interlinking rivers in India dates back to the early 1970s, spearheaded by Dr. K.L. Rao, a prominent engineer and former Union Minister for Irrigation and Power. However, the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project gained momentum only in the early 2000s when it was identified as a priority project under the National Perspective Plan for Water Resources Development, initiated by the Ministry of Water Resources. The agreement for the project was signed between the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in March 2021, culminating years of deliberations over water-sharing, environmental concerns, and project feasibility.
Project Details and Cost
The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project involves the transfer of surplus water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh. The project, estimated to cost around ₹44,605 crore, comprises two major components: a 230-kilometer canal and the construction of the Daudhan Dam on the Ken River. This massive undertaking also includes multiple barrages, tunnels, and powerhouses, aimed at optimizing the flow of water across these regions.
Approved by the Union Cabinet in December 2021, the project is being implemented by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) and is expected to be completed in eight years. The funding for the project includes a 90:10 split between the Centre and the states for the irrigation and drinking water components, respectively, while the Centre will fully fund the hydropower component.
Area Covered
The Ken-Betwa link will bring significant relief to the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, spanning parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The project aims to irrigate approximately 10.62 lakh hectares of agricultural land across the two states, benefiting farmers in districts such as Tikamgarh, Panna, Chhatarpur, and Jhansi. Additionally, it will provide drinking water to over 62 lakh people and generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power, contributing to sustainable development in the region.
Importance in Agriculture
The Bundelkhand region, notorious for its erratic rainfall and water scarcity, has long struggled with agricultural productivity. The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project is poised to address these challenges by ensuring a consistent and reliable water supply for irrigation. This will not only enhance the yield of staple crops like wheat, rice, and pulses but also support diversification into high-value crops, thereby improving farmers’ incomes.
Moreover, the project will help recharge groundwater levels, reducing over-reliance on tube wells and mitigating the risk of aquifer depletion. By stabilizing water availability, the initiative is expected to bolster food security and resilience against climate-induced droughts.
Environmental and Social Considerations
While the project’s benefits are undeniable, it has faced criticism from environmentalists concerned about the potential ecological impact. The proposed Daudhan Dam will submerge part of the Panna Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, affecting its flora and fauna. To address these concerns, the government has pledged to implement comprehensive mitigation measures, including compensatory afforestation and wildlife conservation initiatives.
On the social front, the project involves the resettlement and rehabilitation of affected communities. The authorities have committed to ensuring fair compensation and livelihood restoration for displaced families, aiming to minimize the social impact of the project.
Strategic Significance
The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project aligns with the government’s vision of sustainable and inclusive development. By leveraging water as a critical resource, the project is expected to drive agricultural growth, enhance rural livelihoods, and contribute to India’s energy security. Furthermore, it sets a precedent for future river-linking initiatives, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale inter-basin water transfers.
Challenges and the Way Forward
The successful implementation of the Ken-Betwa project hinges on overcoming several challenges, including timely execution, cost overruns, and effective management of environmental and social impacts. Collaboration between central and state governments, as well as transparent communication with stakeholders, will be crucial in addressing these issues.
In conclusion, the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project is a transformative endeavor with far-reaching implications for India’s water management and agricultural sustainability. While challenges remain, its successful execution could serve as a blueprint for addressing the water needs of the nation’s most vulnerable regions, ensuring prosperity and resilience for generations to come.
