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?
- Water Transfer: Transfers water from the Ken River to the Betwa River through a 221-km canal.
- Irrigation: Provides annual irrigation to 10.62 lakh hectares (8.11 lakh ha in MP and 2.51 lakh ha in UP).
- Drinking Water: Supplies drinking water to 62 lakh people.
- Power Generation: Generates 103 MW hydropower and 27 MW solar power.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
