Context: Ken-Betwa link national project Launched in two phases.
Relevance : GS 3 ( Infrastructure, Ecology )
- Purpose: Provide irrigation, drinking water, and industrial water to regions in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
- Water Transfer: Water from the Ken River will be redirected to the Betwa River via a 221 km long canal.
- Construction of Daudhan dam under the project.
- Impact: Irrigation facilities will cover 8.5 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh and 2.5 lakh hectares in Uttar Pradesh.
- Beneficiaries: 2013 villages in Bundelkhand, including districts like Chhatarpur, Panna, and Sagar, will benefit.
- Power Generation: 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power will be generated.
- Economic Transformation: The project will boost agriculture, provide drinking water to 44 lakh people, and promote tourism in the region.
- Budget: Estimated at Rs. 1 lakh crore, with the central government funding Rs. 90,000 crore.
Additional data:
Strategic Importance:
- Water Security for Bundelkhand: Crucial for irrigation and consumption in a drought-prone region.
- Enhanced Irrigation Infrastructure: Aims to double farmers’ incomes by boosting agricultural output.
Linking National Goals:
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Promotes water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Addresses SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Criticism and Challenges:
- Geopolitical Concerns: Potential tensions over water-sharing between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
- Ecological Costs: Habitat destruction in Panna Tiger Reserve.
- Cost Escalation: Project budget may increase due to delays or unforeseen challenges.
Economic Impact on Local Communities:
- Job Creation: Employment during construction and operation.
- Boost to Ancillary Industries: Development of agro-based industries, food processing, and tourism.
Future Prospects:
- National Perspective: Ken-Betwa project as a pilot for the National River Linking Project.
- Scalability: Insights for larger projects like the Ganga-Cauvery interlink.
