Ken–Betwa
River Linking Project
Prelims:
Indian Geography, Environment & Ecology,
Polity
Mains:
GS Paper II-Welfare Schemes
for Vulnerable Sections, Centre–State Relations, GS Paper III- Infrastructure
Current
relevance:
Protests were held in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh,
against the Ken–Betwa River Linking
Project and two State irrigation projects.
Highlights:
About
Ken–Betwa River Linking Project:
1.
The Ken–Betwa River Linking Project is the first of the 30 proposed river-linking
projects under the National
Perspective Plan (NPP).
2.
The National Perspective Plan, formulated in 1980 by the then Union
Ministry of Irrigation and the
Central Water Commission.
3.
Aim: To
transfer water from rivers with a perceived surplus to rivers facing water deficits.
4.
The NPP is divided into two components:
i.
Himalayan
Rivers Development
ii.
Peninsular
Rivers Development
5.
Transfer the declared surplus water of the Ken River to the Betwa River through the construction of the Daudhan Dam and a 221-km
canal, including a 2-km tunnel.
6.
Generate 103
MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar
power.
7.
It also aims to address water scarcity in the
drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
Key Demands of the Tribal Communities:
1.
Treat each
adult as an individual beneficiary, rather than as part of a family, for
the ₹12.5 lakh rehabilitation package.
2.
Provide rehabilitation and compensation for the Majhgaon and Runjh irrigation projects
on par with the Ken–Betwa project.
Environmental concerns:
1.
A significant portion of the project falls
within the Panna Tiger Reserve.
2.
The Jal
Shakti Ministry reported that approximately 17,101 trees had been
identified for felling for the Daudhan
Dam and related infrastructure.
3.
A total of 12,404 trees had been felled within
the Reserve Forest as part of the
project implementation.
4.
The project has raised concerns over its possible impact on:
i.
The tiger reintroduction programme in the Panna Tiger Reserve
ii.
Endangered vultures
iii.
Mahseer fish
iv.
Gharials in the Ken Gharial Sanctuary
Source: THE HINDU - https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/why-are-there-protests-over-the-ken-betwa-project/article71267449.ece