Criticisms of the KBLP 

Source: The post criticisms of the KBLP has been created, based on the article “What is the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project? Why is it controversial?” published in “Indian Express” on 27th December 2024 

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Infrastructures  

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Daudhan Dam, a key part of the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project. This project aims to transfer water for irrigation, drinking, and power, but faces environmental and displacement concerns. 

For detailed information on Ken-Betwa Link Project read this article here 

What are the main features of the KBLP? 

1. Water Transfer: Transfers water from the Ken River to the Betwa River through a 221-km canal.
2. Irrigation: Provides annual irrigation to 10.62 lakh hectares (8.11 lakh ha in MP and 2.51 lakh ha in UP).
3. Drinking Water: Supplies drinking water to 62 lakh people.
4. Power Generation: Generates 103 MW hydropower and 27 MW solar power.
5. Construction Phases: Phase-I involves the Daudhan Dam, Phase-II includes the Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex, and Kotha Barrage.

What are the criticisms of the KBLP? 

1. Deforestation and Wildlife Impact:

• The project will submerge 98 sq km of the Panna National Park, leading to large-scale deforestation and the felling of 2-3 million trees.
• It threatens tiger populations in Panna, where tigers were successfully reintroduced after extinction in 2009.
• The Ken Gharial Sanctuary’s gharial population and vulture nesting sites may also be adversely affected.

2. Hydrological Concerns:

• Experts question the availability of surplus water in the Ken River and demand public access to hydrological data for further study.
• IIT-Bombay research indicates that river-linking projects can reduce rainfall by up to 12% in September, disrupting local ecosystems.

3. Displacement of Local Communities:

• The Daudhan Dam will displace 5,228 families in Chhatarpur district and 1,400 families in Panna district.
• Protests have emerged due to inadequate compensation and minimal local benefits, particularly in Panna.

Question for practice: 

Evaluate the benefits and criticisms of the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project (KBLP).