Centre Calls for Swift Land Acquisition in Ken-Betwa River Link Project

The Centre has urged Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to speed up land acquisition and complete all pending Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Ken-Betwa Link Project. This initiative aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh, targeting irrigation for the drought-affected Bundelkhand region.

The sixth meeting of the Steering Committee of the Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority was held on Friday. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, chaired the session. She highlighted the project's importance for Bundelkhand and stressed using best practices to protect the environment and promote community development.

Focus on Environmental Protection

Mukherjee praised Madhya Pradesh for timely land transfers to the Forest Department, fulfilling Stage-II Forest Clearance requirements. She also urged both states to expedite land acquisition for the link canal and complete all pending DPRs swiftly. "All partners must work together to achieve timely benefits," she stated.

Discussions included planning and executing the Daudhan Dam, with both states asked to prioritise office attachments with the Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority. Mukherjee called on Madhya Pradesh's Water Resources Department to implement effective resettlement and rehabilitation measures for families affected by the project.

Compensatory Afforestation Efforts

Additionally, Mukherjee requested the Forest Department to act on compensatory afforestation and catchment area treatment 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 Jal Shakti ministry's statement noted that Mukherjee emphasised protecting biodiversity while promoting community development. She stressed that all partners should work together to achieve projected benefits across all quarters.

The Ken-Betwa Link Project is crucial for irrigating Bundelkhand's drought-prone areas by transferring excess water from one river to another. The Centre's push for expedited land acquisition and completion of DPRs aims to ensure timely project execution.

The meeting underscored the need for coordinated efforts among various departments and stakeholders. The focus remains on environmental protection, effective resettlement, and timely project completion to benefit Bundelkhand's communities.

Ensuring timely implementation of these directives is vital for achieving the project's goals. The Centre's emphasis on cooperation among states and departments highlights its commitment to addressing Bundelkhand's water scarcity issues effectively.