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26 July 2026

Protests over Ken-Betwa river-linking project

The Ken-Betwa Link Project is a flagship national infrastructure policy that directly intersects with critical UPSC themes including inter-state water disputes, environmental impact assessment, and the governance challenges of large-scale development projects.

1 min read Day 6 of 9 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is the first of 30 projects under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) formulated in 1980.
  • NPP components: Himalayan Rivers Development (14 links) and Peninsular Rivers Development (16 links).
  • KBLP involves the Daudhan Dam on the Ken River and a 221-km canal to transfer water to the Betwa River.
  • Project goals: Hydropower (103 MW) and solar power (27 MW) generation; drinking water for 4.4 million (MP) and 2 million (UP) people.
  • Displacement impact: 7,193 families across 14 villages in Chhatarpur and 8 in Panna districts.
  • Environmental concerns: Felling of 17,101 trees; impact on Panna Tiger Reserve, endangered vultures, mahseer fish, and gharials.
  • Protest demands: Individual-based rehabilitation packages (₹12.5 lakh per adult), revision of eligibility cut-off dates, and parity for Majhgaon and Runjh irrigation projects.
  • Governance issues: Allegations of irregularities in gram sabha consent processes and beneficiary identification surveys.

Part of a longer story

This is day 6 of 9 in Ken-Betwa river-linking project implementation and displacement concerns, which has been running since 11 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Examine the socio-economic and environmental challenges associated with large-scale inter-state river linking projects in India, with special reference to the Ken-Betwa Link Project. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The implementation of infrastructure projects in ecologically sensitive zones necessitates a delicate balance between developmental goals and the protection of biodiversity. Discuss this in the context of the Ken-Betwa Link Project and the associated concerns regarding forest conservation and wildlife habitats. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. The Ken-Betwa Link Project is a component of which of the following initiatives?

  2. Which of the following protected areas is directly impacted by the Ken-Betwa Link Project?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-26/protests-over-ken-betwa-river-linking-project