The Ken-Betwa River Link Project, India’s first inter-basin river linking initiative, has entered a crucial phase. The ambitious project, estimated at Rs 44,605 crore, aims to improve irrigation and water availability in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
Construction activity has intensified in and around Panna National Park, with heavy machinery clearing land and building access roads. The project is expected to reshape the region’s water infrastructure through major engineering works.
At the same time, rehabilitation efforts have become a major challenge. Nearly 2,000 families from 10 villages are expected to be relocated as their areas fall within the project’s submergence zone.
The accelerated relocation process has led to protests by affected residents. Many have raised concerns over compensation surveys, eligibility lists, and the conditions under which they are being asked to leave their homes.
The Ken-Betwa River Link Project has been under discussion for decades and is now moving toward implementation. While it promises long-term benefits for irrigation and water security, the project also highlights the importance of fair rehabilitation and timely support for families affected by the development work.