Ken–Betwa Link a ‘Project of National Importance’, Says Bhupender Yadav

New Delhi: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav today described the Ken–Betwa River Link as a multi-purpose project of national importance, highlighting its wide-ranging benefits for irrigation, drinking water supply and power generation.

Speaking during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, Mr. Yadav said the project will irrigate 10.62 lakh hectares of land, transforming agricultural prospects in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region. He informed the House that the project will also provide 194 million cubic metres of drinking water to nearly 62 lakh people.

The Minister added that the Ken–Betwa Link will support 103 MW of hydropower generation, including 27 MW of solar power, benefiting 10 districts in Madhya Pradesh and four districts in Uttar Pradesh.

He assured members that the Environment Ministry has granted all necessary clearances and that comprehensive measures are underway to protect local biodiversity, flora and fauna.

The project, India’s first major centrally driven river-interlinking initiative, is being implemented following a historic tripartite agreement signed on 22 March 2021 between the Union Minister of Jal Shakti and the Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

The Ken–Betwa link involves the transfer of water from the Ken River to the Betwa through the construction of the Daudhan Dam and a connecting canal.

Officials say the initiative is expected to significantly boost socio-economic development in Bundelkhand by enhancing agricultural activities and creating new employment opportunities.