Ken-Betwa Project to Irrigate 8.11 Lakh Hectares, Benefit 44 Lakh People: Yadav

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed officials to visit villages in Panna and Chhatarpur and address concerns of families affected by the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, stressing that rehabilitation and compensation must remain a priority.

Chairing a review meeting in Khajuraho on Friday, Yadav said the project would transform irrigation, drinking-water availability and energy infrastructure in Bundelkhand. Officials were directed to ensure doorstep delivery of welfare benefits and prepare plans for schools, Anganwadis, health centres and community halls in rehabilitation areas. The ₹44,605-crore project, approved by the Union Cabinet in December 2021, has ₹39,317 crore in central support and is being implemented on a 90:10 Centre-state funding pattern. The project is targeted for completion by March 2030, with construction of the main Daudhan Dam component underway.

The Ken-Betwa project is India's first interlinking-of-rivers project under the National Perspective Plan to enter the implementation stage. It envisages transferring water from the Ken basin to the Betwa basin through the Daudhan reservoir, tunnels and a link canal.

In Madhya Pradesh, the project is expected to create irrigation potential across 8.11 lakh hectares and provide drinking water to more than 44 lakh people, according to the state government's figures. It will also generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power. Uttar Pradesh is expected to receive irrigation and drinking-water benefits as well, with the project designed to support development across the Bundelkhand region.

The project has also faced environmental and rehabilitation concerns, particularly over forest and wildlife habitat affected by the Daudhan reservoir in and around the Panna Tiger Reserve. Concerns have included habitat loss, wildlife movement, ecological flows and the displacement of villages. Authorities have stipulated environmental-management and rehabilitation measures as part of the project's clearances. Yadav ordered faster disbursement of approved additional funds to families affected by the Runjh-Majhgaon project in Panna.