Cabinet approves Ken-Betwa rivers inter-linking project; extends Rs 39300-crore support
The Union Cabinet has approved the funding and implementation of the Ken-Betwa rivers linking project, kickstarting the ambitious and larger nation-wide scheme that seeks to inter-link rivers to efficiently manage water resources by diverting water from areas that have surpluses to drought prone and water deficit areas.
The total cost of the Ken-Betwa link project has been assessed at Rs 44605 crore at 2020-21 price levels. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved Central support of Rs 39317 crore for the project, covering grant of Rs 36290 crore and loan of Rs 3027 crore.
The first link project is expected pave the way for more interlinking of rivers across Himalayan and peninsular region in India. The first link project, drawn up along with other inter-linking projects by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA), had been delayed for months.
For implementation of the project, the Centre proposes to set up a special purpose vehicle (SPV) called Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority (KBLPA).
On March 22, 2021, an agreement was signed between the Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to implement the first major Centrally-driven river interlinking project in the country.
An official statement said the Ken-Betwa project involves transfer of water from the Ken to the Betwa River through the construction of Daudhan Dam and a canal linking the two rivers, the Lower Orr Project, Kotha Barrage and Bina complex multipurpose project.
The project will provide an annual irrigation of 10.62 lakh ha, drinking water supply to a population of about 62 lakhs and also generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW solar power. The project is proposed to be implemented in eight years.
The inter-linking project is expected to offer immense benefit to the water starved Bundelkhand region, spread across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The project also provide enormous benefits to Panna, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Sagar, Damoh, Datia, Vidisha, Shivpuri and Raisen districts in Madhya Pradesh and Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi & Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh.
The project is expected to boost socio-economic prosperity in the backward Bundelkhand region on account of increased agricultural activities and employment generation. It would also help in arresting distress migration from this region.
The Ken-Betwa project also comprehensively provides for environment management and safeguards. For this purpose, a comprehensive landscape management plan is under finalisation by the Wildlife Institute of India, the official statement added.
