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Ken-Betwa Link Project: ₹44,000 Cr River Linking Displaces 7,193 Families, Environmental Concerns

EnvironmentSocial IssuesInfrastructureHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
25 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:₹44,000 crore7,193 families12,404 trees felled103 MW hydropower27 MW solar17,101 trees identified
Bodies:Ministry of Jal ShaktiNational Water Development AgencyCentral Water CommissionPanna Tiger ReserveKen Gharial Sanctuary
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What This Article Covers

1.Ken-Betwa is India's first river-linking project under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) formulated in 1980.

2.Protests by tribal communities demand individual beneficiary status for rehabilitation (₹12.5 lakh per adult) and a revised cut-off date from February 2024.

3.Environmental concerns include felling of 17,101 trees, impact on Panna Tiger Reserve's tiger reintroduction, and endangered species like gharials and mahseer fish.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

India's first river-linking project under the National Perspective Plan faces massive protests from tribal communities over displacement, inadequate rehabilitation packages, and environmental threats to Panna Tiger Reserve. The government has assured inclusion of left-out families, but allegations of corruption and ecological damage persist.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Project Cost₹44,000 crore
Families Displaced7,193 families (14 villages in Chhatarpur, 8 in Panna)
Hydropower Generation103 MW hydropower, 27 MW solar
Drinking Water Beneficiaries4.4 million (MP) + 2 million (UP) in Bundelkhand
Trees Felled (by July 2025)12,404 trees (17,101 identified)
Rehabilitation Package₹12.5 lakh per family (demand: per adult)
Key Cut-off DateFebruary 16, 2024
Foundation Stone LaidDecember 2024

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Project Cost: ₹44,000 crore
  • ›Families Displaced: 7,193 families (14 villages in Chhatarpur, 8 in Panna)
  • ›Target this Data: ₹44,000 crore project cost; 7,193 families displaced; 12,404 trees felled; 103 MW hydropower + 27 MW solar.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of Jal Shakti; National Water Development Agency (NWDA); Central Water Commission.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Forest Conservation Act, 1980 (tree felling in reserve forest); Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Panna Tiger Reserve).

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which ministry is primarily responsible for the implementation of the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the Ken-Betwa Link Project:

1. It is the first river-linking project under the National Perspective Plan (NPP).

2. The project aims to generate 103 MW of solar power.

3. The foundation stone for the project was laid in December 2024.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, how many trees were identified for felling to facilitate the Daudhan Dam and allied infrastructure as of July 2025?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary environmental concern raised by conservationists regarding the Ken-Betwa project?

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