The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) aims to transfer water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, benefiting water-scarce regions in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It will provide irrigation to 10.62 lakh hectares, supply drinking water to 62 lakh people, and generate hydropower and solar energy, with significant environmental and social implications.
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The Ken Betwa Link Project envisages transferring water from the Ken River to the Betwa river, both tributaries of the Yamuna.
The KBLP envisages diverting water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, both tributaries of the Yamuna. The Ken-Betwa Link Canal will be 221 km long, including a 2 km tunnel.
According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the project is expected to provide annual irrigation to 10.62 lakh hectares (8.11 lakh ha in MP and 2.51 lakh ha in UP) of land, supply drinking water to about 62 lakh people and generate 103 MW of hydropower. and 27 MW of solar power.
It is the first project under the National Prospective River Linking Plan, which was developed in 1980. This plan has 16 projects within its peninsular component, including the KBLP. In addition, 14 links are proposed under the Himalayan River Development Plan.
On 22 March 2021, a memorandum of agreement was signed between the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh for the implementation of the Ken-Betwa Link project.
The idea of linking Ken with Betwa got a big boost in August 2005 when a tripartite memorandum of understanding was signed between the Center and the two states for the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
In 2008, the center declared KBLP a national project. It was later included as part of the Prime Minister's development package for the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
In April 2009, it was decided that the DPR would be prepared in two phases.
In 2018, a comprehensive DPR was prepared, including Phase I, II and other areas proposed by Madhya Pradesh. It was sent to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Central Water Commission in October 2018.
The project lies in Bundelkhand, which is spread over 13 districts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. According to the Jal Shakti Ministry, the project will immensely benefit the water-stressed region, especially Panna, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Sagar, Damoh, Datia, Vidisha, Shivpuri and Raisen districts of Madhya Pradesh and Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi and Lalitpur of Uttar Pradesh.
The river linking project faced intense scrutiny for potential environmental and social impact. The project will involve extensive deforestation in the heart of the Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve.
It is one of the major rivers of the Bundelkhand region in central India. It flows through two states namely Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
It is a tributary of the Yamuna River. The river is the last tributary of the Yamuna before the Yamuna joins the Ganga.
The main tributaries of the Ken River are Bawas, Dewar, Kaith, Baink, Kopra and Bearma.
The Betwa or Betravati is a tributary of the Yamuna River in northern India. Betwa, also known as Vetravati, originates in the Vindhya range north of Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh and flows northeast through Madhya Pradesh and Orchha before reaching Uttar Pradesh. The Malwa Plateau passes through almost half of its route which is not navigable.
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Ken-Betwa river interlinking project
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.The Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project is a significant step towards addressing India's water crisis. However, it raises several concerns. Critically analyze the objectives, challenges and potential consequences of the project. (250 words). |
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