Ken-Betwa River Linking Project: Overview and Controversies
What is the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project (KBLP)?
The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project is a key initiative under India’s National Perspective Plan for interlinking rivers, initially conceptualized in 1980. Ken & Betwa rivers are both tributaries of the Yamuna. It involves transferring water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh through a 221-km-long canal. The project aims to address water scarcity and boost development in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, spanning 13 districts in both states.
Key Features of the Project:
- Irrigation: Annual irrigation of 10.62 lakh hectares (8.11 lakh ha in Madhya Pradesh and 2.51 lakh ha in Uttar Pradesh).
- Drinking Water: Supply drinking water to approximately 62 lakh people.
- Power Generation: Generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.
- Structure: The project includes the construction of the Daudhan Dam, Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage, among other units.
The project is set to be completed in two phases, with a budget of ₹44,605 crore (2020-21 prices). Phase I includes constructing the Daudhan Dam, which will submerge 9,000 hectares of land and affect 10 villages.
Rationale Behind the KBLP:
- Drought Relief: Bundelkhand is historically water-starved, and the project is part of the government's efforts to promote the region's agricultural and economic development.
- Developmental Goals: The project aligns with national strategies for ensuring water security, irrigation expansion, and renewable energy generation.
- Policy Support: Designated a "National Project" in 2008, it has received consistent backing from the central government.
Why is the KBLP Controversial?
The project has faced significant criticism on environmental, social, and hydrological grounds:
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Environmental Concerns:
- Deforestation: The project will submerge about 98 sq km of the Panna National Park, including its tiger reserve, and necessitate felling 2-3 million trees.
- Biodiversity Impact: The construction of the Daudhan Dam could undermine tiger conservation efforts in Panna, where tigers were successfully reintroduced after local extinction in 2009. It also threatens the habitat of gharials in the Ken Gharial Sanctuary and vulture nesting sites.
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Hydrological Concerns:
- Experts question the surplus water calculations for the Ken River, given its critical ecological and local usage roles.
- Studies, such as one from IIT-Bombay, suggest that interlinking rivers may alter rainfall patterns, potentially causing deficits.
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Social Impact:
- Displacement: The Daudhan Dam will displace over 6,600 families in Chhatarpur and Panna districts.
- Inadequate Compensation: Local populations have protested, citing insufficient compensation and minimal direct benefits from the project.
Conclusion:
The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project represents a significant infrastructural endeavor to address water scarcity and promote regional development. However, its potential ecological disruption, impact on local communities, and long-term sustainability raise critical concerns. Balancing developmental goals with environmental conservation and social equity remains a challenge, making the project a focal point in debates on sustainable development in India.
