Ken-Betwa Link Project: Compensation and Rehabilitation Issues
Why in News?
Concerns have emerged over alleged irregularities in the compensation and rehabilitation process for families displaced by the Ken-Betwa River Link Project in Madhya Pradesh. Reports indicate issues related to land acquisition and benefit distribution among affected villagers.
Key Highlights
- Allegations have been made regarding lapses in land acquisition, compensation payments and rehabilitation measures for project-affected families, particularly in villages of Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district.
- The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is India’s first inter-basin river linking initiative under the National River Linking Programme (NRLP).
- The project aims to divert surplus water from the Ken River to the Betwa River to improve water availability in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
- Expected benefits include expanded irrigation facilities, improved drinking water supply and hydropower generation across parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
- The project has also attracted criticism due to concerns over diversion of forest land, ecological impacts on the Panna Tiger Reserve, biodiversity loss and displacement of local communities.
Fig. Ken Betwa rivers & Panna Tiger Reserve
Important Concepts
Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP)
- India’s first river interlinking project under the National River Linking Programme.
- Designed to transfer water from the Ken basin to the Betwa basin to address regional water imbalance.
National River Linking Programme (NRLP)
- A national initiative aimed at connecting surplus and water-deficit river basins.
- Seeks to improve irrigation, drinking water availability, flood moderation and overall water resource management.
LARR Act, 2013
- The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 governs land acquisition, compensation and rehabilitation for affected persons.
- Ensures fair compensation, transparency and mandatory rehabilitation provisions.
Panna Tiger Reserve
- A protected forest in Madhya Pradesh that forms part of the project area.
- Known for its tiger population and rich biodiversity, making environmental conservation a major concern.
Bundelkhand Region
- A drought-prone region spread across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
- Faces recurring water scarcity, making it a key beneficiary of the project.
Way Forward
- Ensure transparent and timely compensation to all affected families.
- Implement effective rehabilitation and resettlement measures in accordance with the LARR Act.
- Reduce ecological damage through scientific planning and mitigation strategies.
- Strengthen participation of local communities during project implementation.
- Strike a balance between infrastructure development and environmental conservation.