Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that the Ken-Betwa Link National Project, the first of its kind in India, is a unique example of mutual cooperation and coordination between the Central Government, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken the initiative to fulfill the dream of the late former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s River Linking Project. This ambitious and multipurpose project is set to transform the landscape and destiny of the entire Bundelkhand region in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The project will provide ample water for irrigation, drinking water, and industrial purposes. It will also boost the region’s economic and social development, promote tourism, and create new employment opportunities. The groundwater levels in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region will also improve.
To mark the commencement of this transformative project, Prime Minister Modi will visit Khajuraho in Chhatarpur district on December 25.
Largest Pressurized Irrigation System in India
Chief Minister Yadav highlighted that the Ken-Betwa Link National Project is the largest irrigation initiative in the country using an underground pressurized pipeline system. The project involves the construction of the Daudhan Dam on the Ken River in Chhatarpur and Panna districts, featuring a height of 77 meters and a length of 2.13 kilometers. It also includes two tunnels (Upper Level: 1.9 km; Lower Level: 1.1 km) for the storage of 2,853 million cubic meters of water.
A 221-kilometer-long canal will transfer surplus water from the Ken River to the Betwa River, ensuring irrigation and drinking water supply in both states.
Benefits to Farmers and Local Population
The project will enable micro-irrigation in 10 districts of Madhya Pradesh, covering 8.11 lakh hectares across 2,000 villages, benefiting around 7 lakh farming families. In Uttar Pradesh, it will provide annual irrigation for 59,000 hectares and stabilize irrigation for an additional 1.92 lakh hectares across districts like Mahoba, Jhansi, Lalitpur, and Banda.
The project will also supply drinking water to 44 lakh people in Madhya Pradesh and 21 lakh in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, it will generate 103 MW of hydroelectric power and 27 MW of solar energy, benefiting Madhya Pradesh.
Revival of Heritage Chandela-era Ponds
The project also includes the restoration of 42 Chandela-era ponds in Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari districts of Madhya Pradesh. This will enhance groundwater levels and benefit rural areas.
The Daudhan Dam will help mitigate floods in Banda district, Uttar Pradesh, and ensure year-round water availability for wildlife in Panna Tiger Reserve, improving the region’s ecological balance.
Economic Growth and Reduced Migration
The project will promote industrialization, attract investment, and boost tourism, creating local employment opportunities and reducing migration. Farmers will benefit from advanced irrigation technologies, increasing crop productivity and prosperity.
Expanded Irrigation Coverage by 2028-29
Madhya Pradesh aims to expand its irrigation coverage to 1 crore hectares by 2028-29, compared to the current 50 lakh hectares. The Ken-Betwa and Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Projects are key contributors to this growth. The government has allocated ₹13,596 crores in the 2024-25 budget for irrigation projects.
Key Highlights of the Ken-Betwa Project
Tripartite MoU signed on March 22, 2021, in the presence of PM Modi.
Total project cost: ₹44,605 crores.
90% funding by the Central Government and 10% by state governments.
Irrigation coverage: 8.10 lakh hectares.
Beneficiaries: 10 districts in Madhya Pradesh, including 2,000 villages and 7.18 lakh farmer families.
Drinking water: 44 lakh people in Madhya Pradesh and 21 lakh in Uttar Pradesh.
Power generation: 103 MW hydroelectric and 27 MW solar energy.
Socio-economic benefits: Improved groundwater levels, industrial growth, and local self-reliance.
Article by: Pankaj Mittal
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