Push for Swift Progress on Ken-Betwa Link Project

The Centre has called on Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to expedite land acquisition and complete Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Ken-Betwa Link Project. This interlinking project aims to transfer excess water from the Ken River to the Betwa River to irrigate Bundelkhand's drought-prone areas.

The Centre has urged both Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to expedite land acquisition and promptly complete all pending Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) regarding the Ken-Betwa Link Project.

This river interlinking project aims to transfer excess water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh to irrigate the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.

The sixth meeting of the Steering Committee of the Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority was held on Friday, chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Mukherjee highlighted the project's importance for Bundelkhand and stressed the need for best practices in construction to protect the environment, biodiversity, and promote community development.

She commended the Madhya Pradesh government for the timely transfer of land to the Forest Department, fulfilling the requirements for Stage-II Forest Clearance, according to a statement by the Jal Shakti ministry.

The secretary urged both states to expedite land acquisition for the link canal and complete all pending DPRs swiftly. She stressed the need for all partners to work in unison to achieve timely and projected benefits.

Discussions also focused on the planning and execution of the Daudhan Dam, with both states asked to prioritize the attachment of offices with the Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority, the statement said.

Mukherjee called on the Water Resources Department of Madhya Pradesh to implement effective resettlement and rehabilitation measures for the betterment of project-affected families.

She also requested the Forest Department to take action on compensatory afforestation and catchment area treatment, especially during the ongoing monsoon season.

The meeting concluded with directives to ensure the implementation of the Integrated Landscape Management Plan in coordination with all stakeholders, ensuring timely and effective measures are in place, the statement added.

(With inputs from agencies.)